New Delhi, Aug 13 (INB) Regulation of fees charged by private schools, safeguards for students and parents, and action against schools violating norms fall under the jurisdiction of respective state governments and Union Territory administrations, the Centre has informed Rajya Sabha. Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary, in a written reply, said education is on the Concurrent List of the Constitution and schools other than those established, owned or controlled by the Central Government are regulated according to the rules and instructions of the respective states and UTs. Under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, every child aged six to 14 years has the right to free and compulsory elementary education in a neighbourhood school. The Act also mandates private unaided schools to reserve at least 25 per cent of entry-level seats for children belonging to weaker sections and disadvantaged groups and provide them free and compulsory elementary education until completion. Section 13 of the RTE Act prohibits schools from collecting any capitation fee, the minister said, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday. On higher education, Chaudhary said institutions deemed to be universities are regulated under the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023, which require them to follow fee structures and seat norms prescribed by the relevant statutory bodies. Private universities, meanwhile, are established through Acts of respective state legislatures and are governed by their respective laws as well as rules and regulations framed by state governments, including those relating to fees, he said. The minister also highlighted provisions applicable to private schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The board’s bye-laws regulate various aspects of school administration, including fee structures. According to the statement, any revision in fees requires express approval of the School Management Committee or adherence to the process prescribed by the appropriate government. The CBSE has also issued guidelines aimed at preventing schools from exploiting parents through mandatory purchases. Schools cannot compel students to purchase books, uniforms or stationery from specified vendors, the minister said. The measures are intended to reduce the financial burden on parents and promote fair competition among vendors, it stated.
