In response to widespread concerns from parents and the general public on social media regarding rising school fees and the sale of costly books, the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddh Nagar, Medha Roopam, has therefore imposed strict regulations on private schools in the district. Consequently, under the new rules, private schools cannot require students to buy books, uniforms, shoes, or other items from specific suppliers, and they must cap fee increases for the 2026-27 academic session at 7.23 percent.

Decision Made During District Fee Regulatory Committee Meeting

The District Fee Regulatory Committee, chaired by Medha Roopam, reviewed the matter on Tuesday (April 7) and subsequently issued the decision in accordance with the Uttar Pradesh Self-Financed Independent Schools (Fee Regulation) Act, 2018.

Schools Cannot Force Purchases; NCERT Books to Be Promoted

During the meeting, the committee decided that private schools cannot force students or parents to buy books, uniforms, shoes, or other items from designated vendors. In addition, the District Magistrate instructed schools to promote the use of NCERT books for teaching and learning. She further directed schools to avoid making annual changes to prescribed textbooks and, moreover, to publish details of any fee increases on their official websites.

Fee Hike Capped at 7.23 Percent

Furthermore, the committee approved a fee hike based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 5 percent, thereby fixing the increase at 7.23 percent for the 2026-27 academic session.

Uniform Changes Banned for Five Years

In response to parents’ complaints that schools frequently make small changes to uniforms, which forces students to buy new ones each year, the District Magistrate has consequently banned schools from modifying uniforms for the next five years.

Strict Penalties for Non-Adherence

Accordingly, the committee will impose strict penalties on any school that violates these rules. Specifically, they will fine schools up to Rs 1 lakh and require a refund of excess fees for the first offence, Rs 5 lakh for the second offence, and for a third violation, recommend revoking the school’s recognition along with other punitive actions. In addition, the committee has created a dedicated email address where parents and other stakeholders can report fee-related violations or other irregularities.

Swimming Pool Regulations

Finally, the committee has directed schools with swimming pools to obtain all necessary permissions, no-objection certificates, and annual registrations from the relevant authorities. Moreover, schools must appoint male coaches for boys and female coaches for girls wherever such facilities exist.