AAP Slams Delhi’s School Fee Bill as Pro-Private Sham

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs staged a fierce protest in the Delhi Assembly premises on Monday, decrying the newly tabled Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Bill, 2025. Led by Leader of Opposition Atishi, the demonstration unfolded in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue, with AAP lawmakers branding the bill a “deceptive ploy” crafted to favor private school owners over Delhi’s parents and students.

The bill, introduced on the opening day of the Monsoon session, has ignited controversy for its alleged lack of genuine regulatory measures. Atishi, the former Delhi chief minister, accused the BJP-led government of shielding private school interests, claiming the legislation enables unchecked fee hikes rather than curbing them. “This isn’t about transparency—it’s a calculated sham to let private schools fleece parents,” she declared, pointing out that the bill was delayed since April 2025, allowing schools to raise fees without oversight during the interim period.

The AAP’s grievances center on the bill’s structure, particularly its proposal for a fee fixation committee chaired by school management representatives. Critics argue this setup grants private schools undue influence, undermining parental interests. The bill also lacks provisions to reverse recent fee increases, a point Atishi emphasized as a betrayal of Delhi’s middle-class families struggling with rising education costs.

Also Read: Delhi Govt Gifts Laptops, ICT Labs to Students

During the protest, AAP MLAs demanded the bill be sent to a select committee for broader consultation and urged an immediate freeze on school fees at 2024-25 levels until the legislation is finalized. “Parents are being crushed under arbitrary fee hikes. This bill does nothing to protect them,” said AAP MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj, who joined the walkout from the House proceedings in protest.

The controversy comes amid growing public frustration over escalating private school fees in Delhi, where parents have reported increases of up to 20% in some institutions this academic year. Education experts have also raised concerns about the bill’s vague language, which they say fails to define clear criteria for fee regulation or penalties for non-compliance.

The BJP, defending the bill, insists it aims to streamline fee structures and enhance transparency. However, AAP’s vocal opposition has galvanized support among parent associations, who are planning citywide protests if the bill passes without amendments. “The BJP must listen to Delhi’s parents, or we’ll take this fight to the streets,” Atishi warned, signaling AAP’s intent to escalate the issue.

As the Monsoon session continues, the bill’s fate remains uncertain, with AAP vowing to block its passage unless significant revisions are made. The standoff highlights the deepening rift between the AAP and BJP over education policy, a critical issue for Delhi’s voters.

Also Read: Delhi Govt Schools to Add English Medium Sections