Punjab Governor Approves Ordinance Regulating Private School Fee Hikes
Punjab limits private school fee increases through new ordinance.
The Punjab government has implemented the Punjab Regulation of Fee of Unaided Education Institutions (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, after receiving approval from Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. The ordinance introduces strict regulations on private school fee increases across the state, limiting annual hikes and requiring greater transparency in the fee-setting process.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that the Governor has approved the ordinance aimed at preventing arbitrary fee increases by private unaided schools. The move follows the Punjab Cabinet’s earlier decision to cap annual private school fee hikes at 5 per cent, with the government stating that the measure is intended to safeguard the interests of parents and students.
The new rules will apply to around 7,800 private schools across Punjab and are expected to impact more than 3.2 million students. Under the ordinance, schools will not be permitted to increase fees by more than 5 per cent in a year. Institutions found to have increased fees by over 15 per cent during a three-year period will be required to refund the excess amount collected from parents.
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The ordinance also introduces mandatory disclosure requirements for private schools. Schools will have to upload details of their fee structures and records of fees charged over the previous four years on a dedicated Education Department portal within 10 days. The government said the online system will improve transparency and allow better monitoring of fee-related practices.
A regulatory committee headed by the respective Deputy Commissioner will examine proposed fee increases and ensure compliance with the new provisions. The government will also establish clear guidelines for determining school fees to create a uniform framework for private educational institutions across the state.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the dedicated portal will be launched to facilitate online submission and monitoring of fee-related information. The Punjab government expects the ordinance to bring accountability to private school fee management while ensuring that educational institutions follow transparent and regulated practices.
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