Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has taken swift and firm action against Queen Mary School in Model Town following serious allegations from parents that students were expelled for resisting an arbitrary and unjustified fee hike.
The issue came to light during a recent public meeting (Jan Samvad), where parents voiced their concerns about sudden fee increases and subsequent harassment by the school administration. In response, CM Gupta directed the Directorate of Education to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter.
She warned that the school’s registration could be cancelled if violations are confirmed, underscoring a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and arbitrary fee hikes. The Directorate of Education has since issued notices to Queen Mary School and other private schools facing similar complaints, signalling a wider crackdown on unfair fee practices.
Parents Speak Out: Students Expelled and Harassed for Questioning Fee Hikes
During the public interaction session, several parents shared distressing accounts of how their children were expelled or denied access to classes after families opposed the sudden fee hike imposed by Queen Mary School. One parent revealed that her daughter was confined to the school library for several days as a punitive measure for refusing to pay the increased fees.
Others described how students were closely monitored and isolated, even during breaks, creating a hostile environment that affected their mental well-being and academic progress. Parents labelled the school’s actions as “arbitrary, illegal, and deeply unfair.”
Reacting to these revelations, CM Gupta stated firmly, “No school has the right to harass any parent or child or threaten them with expulsion or unjust fee hikes. We will ensure strict action against such malpractices.” Education officials present at the meeting confirmed that they are reviewing the school’s fee structure and compliance with Delhi’s education regulations.
Government Investigation and Broader Crackdown on Arbitrary Fee Hikes
In the wake of the public outcry, the Directorate of Education has initiated a comprehensive inquiry into Queen Mary School’s fee hike and expulsion practices. Officials are examining whether the school followed the prescribed procedures for fee revision and whether the expulsions violated students’ rights.
CM Gupta reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting children’s access to education and ensuring transparency in private school fee structures. “We have issued notices to Queen Mary School and other institutions against which similar complaints have been received.
If violations are confirmed, we will not hesitate to cancel registrations and impose penalties,” she said. This move is part of a broader government effort to clamp down on arbitrary fee hikes and harassment in private schools across Delhi, aiming to create a fairer and more accountable education system.
Background: A Growing Pattern of Arbitrary Fee Hikes in Delhi’s Private Schools
The Queen Mary School controversy is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of complaints against private schools in Delhi imposing sudden and steep fee hikes without adequate justification or prior notice. Over the past few years, many parents have protested against such practices, highlighting the mental stress and academic disruption caused to their children.
These fee hikes often come with threats of expulsion or denial of admission, placing families under immense pressure. The Delhi government has faced political and social pressure amid allegations that fee hike protests are being politicised.
However, CM Gupta’s administration has maintained a firm stance on protecting students’ rights and enforcing accountability among private schools. The government’s actions reflect an urgent need for systemic reforms to regulate private school fees, ensure transparency, and safeguard children’s right to quality education without fear of exploitation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian commends Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s prompt and decisive response to this critical issue affecting students and parents. Education should be a space of empowerment, growth, and respect—not one of exploitation, fear, or harassment.
Arbitrary fee hikes and punitive expulsions undermine the trust between schools and families and violate the fundamental right to education. This incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to regulate private school fee structures transparently and to establish clear grievance redressal mechanisms accessible to parents and students alike.
We believe that constructive dialogue among parents, schools, and authorities is essential to foster an environment of empathy, fairness, and accountability.
