Delhi Continues Crackdown On Schools: Show-Cause Notices Sent To Schools, 20 Found Involved In 

The Delhi government on Wednesday inspected 600 private schools in the national capital following several complaints over arbitrary fee hikes and issued show-cause notices to more than 10 schools. According to a statement released, the Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) has formed district-level committees to probe private schools over complaints of arbitrary and exorbitant fee hikes.

According to news agency ANI, notice was issued to more than 10 schools for violating rules, and the process of derecognition of some schools started. The action started after identifying 20 schools involved in dummy schooling. Strict monitoring of schools not providing facilities to EWS students is also being done.

These committees, headed by the respective sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs), also include deputy directors of education, accounts officers, and principals of government schools. These teams have been directed to inspect private unaided schools, including those specifically mentioned in the complaints received by the DoE. So far, more than 600 schools have been inspected in Delhi, and the process is continuing on a priority basis, the statement said.

The DoE also stated that the schools found guilty of arbitrary fee hikes for profiteering were being served show-cause notices under Section 24(3) of the Delhi School Education Act and Rules (DSEAR), 1973. It also added that more than ten such schools have already been issued notices. In severe cases, actions such as withdrawal of recognition and takeover of school management were also being considered, the DoE added.

The inspection has also revealed that several schools failed to meet their obligations regarding the submission of fee statements and audited financial reports, as mandated under Section 17(3) and Section 180(3) of DSEAR. The DoE said appropriate legal action was being initiated in these cases as well and reiterated that all private schools must strictly follow regulatory guidelines for fee hikes and ensure transparency in communication with parents. Any violation of these norms will result in firm action, it stressed.

The department has further mentioned that it has received complaints about dummy admissions in several private schools. During inspections, 20 schools were identified as dummy schools, and strict action under DSEAR, 1973, has been initiated against them, it said.

Under Rule 8 of the Delhi RTE Rules, 2011, textbooks, uniforms, and writing materials are to be provided to students admitted under the economically weaker section, disadvantaged group, and children with special needs categories. Failure to comply with these provisions will attract penalties under the RTE Act and DSEAR, 1973, it added.