AnyTime News 
₹5 Lakh Penalty & Derecognition Loom for Violations, Strict Monitoring Mechanism in Place
Pooja Srivastava, Anytime News Network
A high-level meeting of the District Fee Regulatory Committee, chaired by Vishakh G under the Lucknow District Administration, has sent a strong message against arbitrary fee practices by private schools. The administration has made it clear that exploitation of parents in the name of fees will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Citing the Uttar Pradesh Self-Financed Schools (Fee Regulation) Act, 2018 and its 2020 amendment, the DM emphasized that schools cannot exceed prescribed fee limits. Any violation, including charging capitation fees or forcing purchases from specific vendors, will attract penalties up to ₹5 lakh and may even lead to cancellation of recognition or NOC.
To ensure swift grievance redressal, ADM (Civil Supplies) Jyoti Gautam and the District Inspector of Schools have been appointed as nodal officers. Additionally, joint teams of SDMs, magistrates, and school principals have been formed to conduct inspections and submit timely reports.
The DM directed that all schools must display complete fee structures on their websites and notice boards to ensure transparency. He also warned that no student should be compelled to purchase books, uniforms, or accessories from a particular shop, failing which strict legal action will follow.
Further directives include a five-year freeze on uniform changes and mandatory use of NCERT books in schools following the NCERT curriculum. Fee hikes for existing students will be strictly capped as per CPI and within an additional 5% limit.
Parents, students, and PTA members have been empowered to lodge complaints directly, ensuring accountability. This decisive move is being seen as a major step towards transparency, fairness, and protection of public interest in the education sector.
