Chandigarh, 03 June (H.S.): The Punjab Government has decided to introduce a new law to regulate private schools and prevent arbitrary fee hikes. The decision comes in the wake of the tragic suicide of a Class 12 student in Amritsar, reportedly linked to her inability to pay school fees.

Addressing the media in Chandigarh, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said private schools would no longer be allowed to force parents to purchase books, uniforms or other items from specific shops. He announced that under the proposed legislation, private schools will be permitted to increase fees by a maximum of only 5 percent annually.

Mann further stated that schools which have increased fees by more than 15 percent over the past three years will be required to refund the excess amount collected from parents. He said the government is preparing a strict legal framework, which will be introduced through an ordinance within the next few days and later presented during the upcoming Assembly session.

The Chief Minister clarified that the new regulations will apply to all categories of schools operating in Punjab, including national and international institutions. He added that complaints regarding fee hikes already received by District Education Officer (DEO) offices will be investigated, and action will be taken against schools found violating the rules.

Mann said annual audits of private schools will be made mandatory to ensure transparency and accountability. He added that experts from various fields have been consulted while drafting the legislation and their recommendations will form the basis of the new policy.

The government plans to amend the Punjab Regulation of Fee of Unaided Educational Institutions Act, 2026. Mann also accused the previous government led by Capt Amarinder Singh of giving private schools excessive freedom in fee matters, claiming that while the earlier cap was 8 percent, many institutions increased fees significantly beyond that limit.

The Chief Minister asserted that the new law would ensure greater protection for parents and students while bringing transparency to Punjab’s private education sector.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH