The Delhi government has launched a large-scale probe into alleged fee irregularities across 1,600 private schools in the city. Education Minister Ashish Sood announced that a committee led by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) will be auditing these schools to investigate non-compliance with fee norms and insufficient financial transparency.
“I challenge, with full responsibility, those who took money under the table from private schools. We, the BJP government, will conduct a thorough investigation,” said Mr. Sood.
According to the minister, only 75 out of 1,600 private schools have been audited in the last 10 years. Many institutions lack proper documentation with the Directorate of Education, raising serious concerns about accountability and compliance.
Key Measures Announced:
- Comprehensive Audit: All 1,600 schools will be asked to respond to an 18-point questionnaire as part of the audit process.
- Strict Action: Schools found guilty of financial misconduct will face appropriate penalties, and any excess fees collected will be refunded to parents.
- Complaint Channel: Parents can now report concerns about fee hikes and irregularities via email at ddeact1@gmail.com.
- Transparency Drive: The Education Department will publish a list of schools that have increased their fees on its official website within 10 days.
Political Reactions and Accusations
Former Education Minister Manish Sisodia has accused the current government of corruption, demanding a CBI inquiry into what he calls arbitrary fee hikes. At a recent press conference, Sisodia alleged misconduct in fee regulation under the present administration.
In response, Minister Sood dismissed the allegations and challenged Sisodia to produce evidence.
“First they used to call the CBI a B-team. Now they want an investigation by the same agency. If there is proof, file an FIR,” said Mr. Sood.
This probe comes as part of a broader push by the Delhi government to enforce transparency and fairness in private school operations and to protect the interests of parents and students.
