New Delhi [India], April 15 (HBTV): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday directed strict action against private schools over arbitrary fee hikes.

The matter came to light during a Jan Samvaad at her residence, where several parents raised concerns regarding Queen Mary School in Model Town. The Chief Minister immediately ordered the Education Department to identify such schools and issue notices.

‘It is completely unacceptable for any school to mentally harass parents or students, threaten them with expulsion, or increase fees without following due process,’ said Chief Minister Gupta.

She reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring access to quality and modern education for every child.

‘Parents of children from some schools are constantly meeting me and telling me their problems. There are rules and laws for this, which are very important to follow. If any school is found violating this, then it will have to bear the consequences. We have issued notices to all the schools against which we are receiving complaints,’ she added.

The Chief Minister further assured that the Delhi Government will not tolerate any interference with a child’s future, and strict action would be taken against any guilty institution.

She emphasised a ‘zero tolerance’ policy against injustice, exploitation, or irregularities, underlining the government’s dedication to transparency, equal opportunity, and the protection of children’s rights in education.

In a post on X, Gupta stated: ‘Today, during the public dialogue programme, a case related to Queen Mary School, Model Town came up, in which parents of children complained regarding wrong collection of fees and expulsion of children from the school. Taking immediate cognisance of this matter, the concerned officials have been instructed to conduct an immediate investigation and take strict and necessary action. The Delhi Government is fully committed to transparency, equal opportunity and the protection of children's rights in the field of education. A zero-tolerance policy has been adopted towards any kind of injustice, exploitation or irregularity—no laxity will be tolerated in this. Our resolve is clear—every child should have access to justice, respect and quality education.’(ANI)