Ludhiana Administration Moves to Curb Arbitrary School Fee Hikes
February 24, 2026
ETT News / Ludhiana
District Magistrate Himanshu Jain has constituted a high-level committee to monitor and enforce compliance among private unaided recognised schools in Ludhiana, responding to a growing number of complaints from parents, students, and social organisations.
The committee, chaired by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), includes the District Education Officer (Secondary), Deputy Controller of Finance and Accounts, and the CMFO. The administration has tasked the panel with conducting regular inspections of school premises, operational practices, financial records, and adherence to statutory regulations. Officials will submit their findings directly to the District Magistrate’s office, which will initiate legal action against institutions found violating government directives.
Authorities said complaints primarily concern arbitrary fee hikes, failure to pay teachers their full entitled salaries, and the alleged collection of illegal capitation fees or other unauthorised charges. Several grievances also cite non-compliance with the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, particularly the mandatory 25 per cent reservation for children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups.
The administration further highlighted reported breaches of the Punjab Regulation of Fee of Unaided Educational Institutions Act, 2016 (amended in 2019), which regulates fee structures, limits annual increases, and prohibits profiteering. Additional violations involve non-adherence to provisions under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and related Punjab government guidelines mandating inclusive education facilities.
District Magistrate Jain has directed all school principals and managements to ensure immediate compliance with applicable laws. Schools must implement RTE provisions without screening procedures or capitation fees during admissions, while fee structures must strictly follow the Punjab fee regulation framework.
The orders also prohibit commercial activities on school premises, reiterate the compulsory teaching of Punjabi, and strictly ban physical punishment or mental harassment of students. Schools must operate on a non-profit basis, maintain audited annual accounts, and submit financial statements to the District Education Officer each year.
In addition, institutions must comply with teacher appointment and salary norms prescribed by recognised education boards, maintain valid safety certifications, ensure potable drinking water, and adhere to the “Safe Vahan Policy” governing school transport.
The district administration warned that any failure to comply with these directives will invite stringent legal action.image
Ludhiana DM Himanshu Jain Private School Violations Fee Hikes RTE Act EWS Quota Capitation Fees Punjab Fee Regulation Act
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