In a decisive push to rein in arbitrary practices by private schools, the Lucknow administration has rolled out a stringent framework to regulate fees and curb coercive purchases of books, uniforms, and other essentials.

District Magistrate Visakh G. has issued comprehensive guidelines aimed at protecting parents and students from financial exploitation, following concerns flagged in a report aired by India Today. The directives were formalized during a key meeting of the District Fee Regulatory Committee at the Collectorate Auditorium.

The меры seek to enforce the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Self-Financed Independent Schools (Fee Regulation) Act, 2018, along with its 2020 amendment, with a sharp focus on transparency, accountability, and grievance redressal.

Fee hikes under scrutiny

Any proposal by private schools to increase fees will now undergo strict scrutiny by the District Fee Regulatory Committee. Institutions found violating prescribed limits could face punitive action.

To streamline complaints, Additional District Magistrate (Civil Supplies) Jyoti Gautam and the District Inspector of Schools have been designated as nodal officers, allowing parents direct access for grievance redressal.

Ground-level monitoring intensified

A joint enforcement team comprising Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Additional City Magistrates, and principals of government secondary schools will oversee compliance. The team will investigate complaints, conduct inspections, and submit regular reports in coordination with the Education Department.

Transparency made mandatory

Schools have been directed to publicly display their complete fee structure on websites and notice boards. Charging beyond approved limits or collecting capitation fees is strictly prohibited, and valid receipts must be issued for every payment.

Importantly, schools can no longer compel students to purchase books, uniforms, or stationery from specific vendors—a practice long criticised by parents.

Uniform rules tightened

To prevent recurring financial burden, schools are barred from changing uniforms for five consecutive academic years. Fee hikes for existing students have been capped at the annual Consumer Price Index increase plus 5% of the current fee.

Any violation—such as forcing purchases from designated shops—could trigger penalties, including fines of up to ₹5 lakh or even cancellation of school recognition.

ncert books mandatory

Schools affiliated with the NCERT curriculum must strictly use NCERT textbooks. Forcing students to buy supplementary books from private publishers will invite strict action.

Parents, students, and Parent-Teacher Association members can lodge complaints with the District Fee Regulatory Committee or through the appointed nodal officers.

The move, backed by coordinated administrative oversight, is aimed at restoring fairness in private school operations—ensuring that education does not come at the cost of unchecked financial pressure on families.