Parents Protest Reports Against DPS Fee Hike and Student Expulsions in Delhi

New Delhi | TheTrendingPeople.com — A major protest unfolded outside the Directorate of Education near the Delhi Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, as hundreds of parents from various branches of Delhi Public School (DPS) gathered to oppose steep fee hikes and the recent expulsion of 32 students by DPS Dwarka. The protest, led by concerned parents, has ignited debate over private school fee regulation, transparency, and students’ rights across the national capital.

What Sparked the Protest?

The immediate trigger for the protest was DPS Dwarka’s decision to expel 32 students from its rolls for non-payment of an increased fee. According to the protesting parents, the school arbitrarily raised the tuition fee without providing a valid explanation or obtaining approval from the education authorities. Parents allege that the hike is unjustified and violates regulatory norms.

One parent revealed that his son’s fee had suddenly jumped from ₹10,000 to ₹17,500, representing a 75% increase within a short period. “We are ready to pay fees approved by the government. But we refuse to be forced into paying arbitrary hikes that have not gone through proper regulatory checks,” the parent said.

Parents Demand Government Action

The protesting parents marched in a symbolic padayatra (foot march) before submitting a formal memorandum to the Directorate of Education. They urged the government to:

• Intervene immediately to revoke the expulsions.
• Stop private schools from enforcing unapproved fee hikes.
• Implement the proposed School Fee Regulation Bill with transparency.
• Take strict action against schools violating student rights.

The parents also requested that the draft of the School Fee Regulation Bill, which is said to be under review, be made public and open to suggestions from stakeholders including parents.

DPS Dwarka Under Fire

The controversy surrounding DPS Dwarka has brought to light broader concerns about the management and governance of elite private schools in Delhi. Several parents expressed frustration that private schools are taking advantage of regulatory loopholes to raise fees unchecked.

A parent whose child was expelled said, “Our children are being punished because we raised questions. Expelling students over fees is unethical and illegal. These are not just numbers on paper—these are young lives being disrupted.”

Another protester echoed similar concerns, stating, “Even after the Directorate of Education issued directives to reinstate the expelled students, the school has not acted. This raises questions about accountability.”

What the Authorities Have Said

In response to the uproar, the Directorate of Education had earlier issued an official order on May 15, directing DPS Dwarka to withdraw the expulsion notices and re-admit all 32 students. The order also emphasized that no child should face discrimination over fee-related issues and instructed the school to refrain from further punitive actions.

However, parents claim that the school has not complied with the directive. The lack of enforcement has only added fuel to the fire, leading parents to escalate their demands for firm government intervention and legal action.

The Fee Regulation Debate

The incident has renewed calls for the Delhi government to expedite the School Fee Regulation Bill. Parents argue that many private schools use a lack of clear regulation to implement arbitrary fee hikes, demand non-refundable donations, and impose hidden charges.

While fee regulation laws exist in some Indian states, Delhi still lacks a robust framework that can ensure transparency and fairness in private school operations.

Education activists point out that the issue goes beyond just DPS and affects middle-class families across the city. “When education becomes a business, children suffer. The government must step in and bring transparency through legislation,” said a member of the protesting parents’ group.

Economic Pressures on Parents

Many parents affected by the fee hike said they are still recovering from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sharp increase in fees has come as a heavy blow, especially for families already struggling to manage household expenses.

A working mother of two children studying in DPS said, “We are not against quality education, but it must be affordable. Schools should not treat parents as cash machines.”

Another father added, “If this continues, education will become inaccessible to even the upper middle class, let alone the poor.”

Students Caught in the Crossfire

While the debate continues between parents, schools, and authorities, the ones suffering the most are the students. For the 32 students expelled by DPS Dwarka, their academic future is currently uncertain. Many have already missed classes, and their emotional well-being has been affected.

Psychologists warn that such punitive actions can have lasting consequences on a child’s mental health. “Being expelled from school over financial disputes can make children feel insecure, humiliated, and anxious. Schools must prioritize the child’s interest above financial disagreements,” said a Delhi-based child psychologist.

Legal Remedies and the Way Forward

Parents are now considering legal action against the school for violating the Right to Education Act and disregarding the Directorate of Education’s directives. Some have already approached lawyers to explore options including filing a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) in the Delhi High Court.

Education experts say this protest could serve as a turning point in how private school education is regulated in India. If acted upon quickly, it could lead to a new wave of reforms focused on fee transparency, student rights, and school accountability.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Policymakers

The protest at the Directorate of Education is not just a reaction to a single incident, but a reflection of widespread frustration among parents over the commercialization of education in Delhi. With increasing fees, lack of transparency, and punitive actions against students, the need for immediate and stringent regulation has never been greater.

Parents are united in their call for a fair and just education system—one where learning is prioritized over profit and children are not held hostage to bureaucratic failures or school management decisions. The ball is now in the government’s court to take decisive action and restore trust in Delhi’s private school system.