Tensions escalated outside Salwan Public School in East Delhi as around 40 parents staged a protest over a steep fee hike and the alleged removal of their children from school rolls. The demonstration comes just days before the new academic session begins on April 1, intensifying concerns among families about their children’s education and continuity in the institution.

Parents accused the school administration of adopting coercive measures to enforce fee payments, including withholding report cards, restricting academic access, and issuing strike-off notices. Several parents claimed their children’s names were removed from official records shortly before results were to be declared, leaving families distressed and uncertain about the next academic year.

According to the protesting parents, the school has increased fees by nearly 57 percent over the past two years. They argued that such hikes should only be implemented with approval from the Directorate of Education, and insisted they are willing to pay only the fees sanctioned by the authority. Parents also expressed concern about the financial strain caused by rising costs and the lack of regulatory clarity.

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The school, however, defended its decision, stating that it had not revised fees between 2016 and 2024 despite a significant rise in operational expenses, which it claims have increased by nearly 150 percent over the past decade. School authorities maintained that private institutions do not require prior approval from the Directorate of Education to revise fees and asserted that no objections had been raised by the regulator regarding the current fee structure.

The dispute has reportedly unfolded in multiple phases, with parents claiming that around 25 students were initially affected, followed by another group of nearly 40 facing similar action. Notices issued by the school warned that students with pending dues would not be allowed to attend classes from the start of the new session, further escalating tensions between both sides.

The controversy reflects a broader issue across private schools in Delhi, where similar complaints about fee hikes and administrative actions have surfaced in recent years. While schools argue financial sustainability, parents continue to demand transparency and regulatory oversight, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to ensure that students’ education is not disrupted amid ongoing disputes.

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