45 schools served notices over fee hike complaints in Noida

Noida: The district administration has issued notices to 45 schools following complaints of alleged non-compliance with fee hike limits fixed by the District Fee Regulatory Committee for the 2026-27 academic session.Officials said the action follows directions issued after the regulatory committee’s meeting held on April 7 under the chairmanship of the district magistrate Medha Roopam. The committee unanimously decided that private schools could increase fees by a maximum of 7.23%, based on the prescribed formula of consumer price index plus 5%.The DM said all schools had been directed to ensure full compliance with the capped fee hike. Parents were also informed that complaints regarding excess fee increases could be submitted to the committee through email or other grievance channels. “Forty-five complaints have been received against different schools so far. Notices have been served to all the institutions concerned by the committee secretary, seeking explanations regarding the alleged violations,” she said.Officials said responses submitted by the schools will be examined and placed before the regulatory committee in its upcoming meeting.The administration has warned that schools found violating the prescribed fee norms could face strict penalties under statutory provisions. To strengthen grievance redressal, parents can now file complaints related to fee hikes or other issues via the committee’s official email at feecommitteegbn@gmail.com.Upon receiving a complaint from any student, guardian, parent or teachers' association, the committee may, after due inquiry and attempts at resolution, impose penalties for violations. “For a first violation, the committee may direct the school to refund any excess fee collected and impose a monetary penalty of up to Rs 1 lakh,” the DM said. “In case of a second violation, a penalty of Rs 5 lakh may be imposed along with a refund of the excess amount. For a third violation, the committee may withdraw permission for the development fund for a specified period and recommend withdrawal of recognition or affiliation granted by the concerned board or council. All schools are expected to comply strictly with these guidelines. Any deviation will invite stringent action.”In case of repeated non-compliance, the committee may recommend cancellation of the school’s recognition or affiliation.