Chandigarh: The Punjab government has introduced strict regulations on private school fee increases, bringing major relief to more than 32 lakh students and their families across the state. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the government has issued the ‘Punjab Regulation of Fees of Un-Aided Educational Institutions (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026’, placing private school fee structures under a stronger regulatory framework.
The new ordinance limits annual fee hikes to 5 per cent, makes refunds mandatory in cases of excessive fee increases, and introduces strict penalties for schools violating the rules.
Private Schools Can Increase Fees by Only 5% Annually
Under the amended ordinance, private unaided schools in Punjab will now be allowed to increase their annual fees by a maximum of 5 per cent without special approval.
If any school has increased fees by more than 15 per cent during the last three years, it will have to refund the excess amount collected from parents.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that if a school had increased fees by 25 per cent over three years, the additional 10 per cent collected beyond the permitted limit would have to be returned to parents. Schools will not be allowed to adjust this excess amount under any other fee category.
District-Level Committees to Monitor Fee Regulations
To ensure proper implementation of the new fee rules, the Punjab government will establish district-level fee regulatory committees under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioners.
These committees will examine:
- Fee hikes implemented by private schools
- Financial records of institutions
- Charges collected under different categories
- Compliance with government regulations
The committees will also have the authority to interact with parents, demand records and inspect schools whenever required.
The government said the move will bring greater transparency and accountability to the private education sector.
Schools Must Submit Four Years’ Fee Records
As per the new regulations, all private schools will have to submit complete details of fees collected during the last four years to the Education Department within 10 days.
The records will be uploaded on an online government portal and will be reviewed by authorities.
Schools found violating the prescribed rules will face legal action.
Strict Penalties for Violating Fee Rules
The Punjab government has introduced strict punishment provisions for schools that fail to follow the new fee regulations.
According to the ordinance:
- First-time violations may attract a penalty of ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh.
- Continued violations can lead to cancellation of the school’s recognition.
The government has stated that there will be no compromise in implementing the new rules.
Special Permission for Up to 8% Fee Increase in Certain Cases
While the normal annual fee hike limit has been fixed at 5 per cent, schools may seek permission for an increase of up to 8 per cent in special situations.
Schools investing in infrastructure development such as:
- New buildings
- Libraries
- Smart classrooms
- Laboratories
- Other basic facilities
can approach the district-level committee for approval.
However, once the cost of the investment is recovered, schools will have to return to the standard 5 per cent fee increase limit.
Schools Cannot Force Parents to Buy Books and Uniforms from Specific Shops
The new ordinance also provides relief to parents regarding school-related purchases.
Private schools will no longer be allowed to force parents to buy:
- Books
- Uniforms
- Other educational materials
from specific shops or vendors.
Schools can only decide the colour and design of uniforms, while parents will have the freedom to purchase them from any place of their choice.
Government Took Action After Parents’ Complaints
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the government had been receiving repeated complaints from parents about arbitrary fee hikes by private schools.
He also highlighted instances where some schools allegedly continued collecting transport charges during periods when bus services were not operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government decided to introduce stricter regulations to protect parents from unfair financial pressure and make the education system more transparent.
Around 7,800 Private Schools to Come Under New Rules
The Punjab government estimates that the new regulations will directly impact around 7,800 private unaided schools in the state.
The government believes the ordinance will help control unnecessary fee increases and provide financial relief to millions of families.
Officials said the state government is prepared to defend the new regulations legally if challenged in court.
Punjab Government’s Move Aims to Make Education More Transparent
With the implementation of the Punjab Regulation of Fees of Un-Aided Educational Institutions (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, the state government aims to create a fairer fee system for private schools.
The new framework focuses on preventing arbitrary fee hikes, ensuring accountability and reducing the financial burden on parents while maintaining quality education standards.
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