Punjab CM Mann cracks down on private school fee hikes; Annual increase capped at 5 %, refunds ordered
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, June 3, 2026: In a major move aimed at protecting parents from arbitrary fee hikes by private schools, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced a strict cap on annual fee increases and ordered refunds from schools that have charged beyond the prescribed limit.
The decision comes in the wake of the tragic death of a schoolgirl in Amritsar, which sparked widespread concern over alleged harassment by school authorities over unpaid fees.
Addressing the issue, Mann said the government had received hundreds of complaints from parents regarding steep and unchecked fee increases by private schools. Describing the situation as unacceptable, he announced that no private school in Punjab will now be allowed to increase its fees by more than five per cent annually.
The cap will apply not only to tuition fees but also to other mandatory charges, including funds, multimedia fees and transportation fees.
The Chief Minister further stated that schools that have increased fees beyond the permissible limit during the past three years will be required to refund the excess amount collected from parents.
To enforce the decision, the Punjab Government will soon bring an ordinance to amend the Punjab Regulation of Fees of Unaided Educational Institutions Act. Mann said the proposed law would be among the strictest regulations governing private school fees in the country.
He warned that schools violating the new rules would face stringent action. A first violation would attract a heavy penalty, while repeated offences would invite higher fines. Persistent defaulters could even face cancellation of their affiliation.
Mann also clarified that educational institutions cannot legally withhold examination admit cards, no-dues certificates, mark sheets or degrees over non-payment of fees.
Referring to the Amritsar incident, the Chief Minister said the government was committed to ensuring that no child or family faces undue pressure because of school fees. He asserted that the state would not tolerate exploitation in the name of education and would take all necessary measures to safeguard students and parents.