School Rules Update : In a major move that has stirred the education sector, state governments across India have initiated strict actions against private schools accused of coercing parents for excessive fees and imposing rigid dress codes. This development follows mounting complaints from parents, civil rights groups, and student welfare associations regarding unfair practices, particularly during the admission season.
With education being a fundamental right, authorities are making it clear that commercialization in schools will not be tolerated. The enforcement of stricter rules aims to protect students and parents from undue pressure and financial exploitation by certain private institutions.
School Rules Update : Why Are Private Schools Under Scrutiny?
Private schools, especially in urban areas, have increasingly been criticized for:
- Charging arbitrary development, maintenance, and activity fees
- Forcing parents to buy expensive uniforms from select vendors
- Compelling students to purchase books and accessories from affiliated stores
- Issuing threats of expulsion for non-compliance
- Denying admissions over dress code objections
- Hiking fees without approval from competent education boards
- Making uniform changes every year without justification
In response to these concerns, education departments are tightening regulations and encouraging parents to report exploitative behavior.
Recent Government Guidelines for Private Schools
The Education Department in multiple states including Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu has rolled out updated rules. Here’s what they include:
- Schools cannot force parents to buy books, uniforms, or shoes from specific vendors
- All fees must be approved and published transparently on school websites
- Uniform changes cannot be made for at least five years
- Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) must be involved in decision-making about school policies
- Dress codes must not restrict a student’s religious or cultural identity
- No student can be denied admission due to non-purchase of school merchandise
These measures aim to curb the monopolistic practices of private institutions and ensure transparency in school operations.
States Taking the Lead in Regulatory Action
The following table outlines some key actions taken by various state governments:
| State | Regulatory Authority | Major Action Taken | Year | Impact Estimated | Penalty for Violation | Active Helpline for Parents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Education Department | Mandated transparency in uniform and book procurement | 2024 | 10 lakh students | ₹1 lakh fine | 1800-233-111 |
| Delhi | Directorate of Education | Made it illegal to force parents to purchase from tied vendors | 2023 | 8 lakh students | Derecognition threat | 1800-11-3001 |
| Uttar Pradesh | Basic Shiksha Parishad | Issued order to standardize dress codes | 2024 | 12 lakh students | ₹50,000 fine | 1800-180-0000 |
| Tamil Nadu | School Education Department | Monitoring fee structures via digital audits | 2024 | 6 lakh students | 3-month license suspension | 14417 |
| Karnataka | Education Board | Introduced grievance portal for parents | 2023 | 9 lakh students | Strict inspections | 1902 |
| Rajasthan | Directorate of Secondary Ed. | Banned mid-year uniform changes | 2024 | 5 lakh students | Written warnings | 181 |
| Punjab | School Education Department | Parent committees made mandatory | 2024 | 4 lakh students | Advisory plus public report | 1800-345-2042 |
| West Bengal | Education Department | Fee hike capped to 10% per annum | 2024 | 6 lakh students | Legal proceedings | 1800-120-151 |
Key Issues Parents Are Facing
Parents across India have raised common concerns that triggered this crackdown:
- Unaffordable Costs: Monthly school bills often exceed ₹5,000–₹10,000 even for primary grades.
- Exclusive Tie-Ups: Uniforms available only at select outlets with high markups.
- Frequent Uniform Changes: Replacing uniforms every 1-2 years without genuine reason.
- Harassment over Fees: Parents receiving warning letters for late payments despite prior discussions.
- Exclusion of PTA Input: Policy decisions made without parental involvement.
These issues are seen as exploitative, particularly for middle-class and lower-income families.
See more : Old Pension Scheme Returns After 19 Years
Dress Code Mandates: Controversy and Clarifications
Dress code enforcement has become a sensitive topic. While schools argue for uniformity and discipline, many parents believe:
- Dress codes should be inclusive of cultural and religious symbols (e.g., hijabs, turbans)
- Seasonal flexibility (winter/summer) should be incorporated
- Students should not be punished for minor deviations
- Girls’ uniforms should not enforce stereotypes (e.g., skirts only)
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has recommended that schools create dress codes with child safety, dignity, and comfort in mind.
Central Government’s Stand on the Issue
The Ministry of Education has issued broad guidelines advising schools to:
- Ensure fee structures are reasonable and not profit-driven
- Avoid bundling of services that restrict parental choice
- Respect cultural diversity in dress codes
- Form grievance redressal cells at district levels
Though the implementation of these rules falls under state jurisdiction, the central advisory has pushed states into action mode.
What Should Parents Know and Do?
Parents must stay vigilant and know their rights. Here are a few proactive steps:
- Join your school’s PTA and attend meetings
- Keep all fee receipts and communication records
- Report coercion to local education officers
- Avoid buying uniforms/books from tied vendors unless legally mandated
- Ask for written circulars or notices regarding any new rule or change
Summary Table of Parents’ Rights and Protections
| Right | Description | Enforcement Authority |
|---|---|---|
| No forced purchases | Parents can’t be forced to buy from selected vendors | State Education Boards |
| Fee regulation | Schools must disclose and get approval for all fees | Fee Regulation Committees |
| Inclusive dress code | Schools must allow cultural/religious dress elements | NCPCR, State Guidelines |
| PTA involvement | School policy decisions must include PTA inputs | School Management Committees (SMC) |
| Complaint redressal | Each district to maintain a helpdesk for complaints | District Education Officer (DEO) |
| Uniform change freeze (5 years) | Schools cannot change uniform design frequently | Directorate of Education |
| No expulsion threats over fees | Students can’t be removed for genuine delays in payment | Child Rights Commissions |
The crackdown on exploitative practices in private schools marks a significant shift toward making education more equitable, transparent, and accessible. While private institutions play a key role in supplementing public education, they must not operate beyond the boundaries of ethics and legality.
Parents are encouraged to stay informed, united, and active in ensuring their children’s rights are upheld. Governments, on their part, must enforce rules strictly and provide responsive platforms to resolve issues swiftly.
This article is based on available information and guidelines issued by various state and central education bodies as of April 2025. Rules and implementations may vary based on regional jurisdiction. Readers are advised to verify with official sources for specific cases.
Join
Join