DPS Dwarka Fee Hike Protest: A major controversy has erupted at Delhi Public School (DPS), Dwarka, where parents staged a protest against an alleged unauthorised fee hike. The situation escalated after allegations surfaced that the school detained students inside the library, denying them access to their classrooms.
According to the TV9 reports, parents claim that the school administration confined their children in the library as a form of pressure over the ongoing fee dispute. According to them, students including those preparing for crucial Class 10 exams were not allowed to attend regular classes. This has sparked serious concerns over the students' mental and academic well-being. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, DPS Dwarka has not issued an official response so far.
South West Delhi District Magistrate (DM) Lakshay Singhal confirmed that students were indeed found sitting inside the library during an inspection. He stated that the children had not been allowed into classrooms, and that a report has been submitted to the Directorate of Education for further action, as reported by TV9.
Parents Oppose Arbitrary Fee Collection
The protesting parents allege that DPS Dwarka is charging arbitrary and unapproved fees, which they refuse to pay unless approved by the Directorate of Education (DoE). They argue that since the school is built on DDA land, it is not authorised to hike fees without DoE approval.
Call for Strict Government Action
Parents are demanding that the Delhi government and education authorities take strict action against the school, rather than issuing mere assurances. They have also raised concerns about the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and other officials' inaction, calling for accountability and resignations from those who failed to protect the children's rights.
Arvind Kejriwal Slams Education Mafia in Delhi
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice strong criticism against what he described as the growing influence of the “education mafia” in the capital.
"People in Delhi are once again completely under the grip of the education mafia," Kejriwal wrote. "How did they become so bold that they dared to mistreat our children? Because the leaders and ministers are in their pockets—just like it used to be before our government came to power."
Delhi Govt to Audit Schools Over Fee Hike Allegations
On Tuesday, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood vowed to take strict action against private schools that have raised their fees.
"We are being blamed for increasing Delhi school fees... Supreme Court passed an order in 2004 Modern School case that Delhi schools are bound to take permission from the Directorate of Education before increasing their fees... But they (AAP) got this order dismissed in 2024 in the Delhi High Court... Rekha Gupta will investigate the corruption in such cases where under-the-table money was taken...A committee will be formed under the leadership of CM Rekha Gupta and all schools will be audited and if any school fails any criterion, it will not be spared," the Delhi Education Minister said, as reported by news agency ANI.
