CM Mann Announces Tough Measures Against Arbitrary Fee Hikes by Private Schools

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday made a significant announcement regarding fee increases by private schools in the state. Addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government has decided that private schools will no longer be allowed to increase their fees by more than 5 percent annually. He stated that the government will introduce an ordinance within the next one or two days, which will later be converted into a law during the upcoming session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly. Speaking at a press conference held at his official residence in Chandigarh, Chief Minister Mann said that private schools would no longer be permitted to raise fees arbitrarily. He also announced that schools would not be allowed to compel parents to purchase books and uniforms from specific designated shops. The Chief Minister said the proposed legislation would establish clear regulations for fee increases, allowing private schools to raise fees by a maximum of only 5 percent each year. In addition, schools that have increased their fees by more than 15 percent over the past three years will be required to refund the excess amount collected from parents. Mann said the government is preparing strict legal provisions to ensure effective implementation of these measures, and the legislation is expected to be passed during the forthcoming Assembly session. He further clarified that the proposed rules will apply to all categories of school fees. The Chief Minister said the decision was taken in the wake of an incident in Amritsar, where a female student allegedly died by suicide following an increase in school fees. The government has decided to introduce these measures to prevent such situations and ensure greater accountability in the private education sector.