Chandigarh, June 22: The Punjab government has announced that private schools in the state will not be allowed to raise their fees by more than 5% annually. This decision was revealed by the Bhagwant Mann administration. Punjab Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Harpal Singh Cheema discussed the new fee structure for schools.
During a media interaction, Minister Harjot Bains stated, “A few days ago, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced measures against arbitrary fee hikes by private schools. Under this regulation, no school can increase its fees by more than 5% each year.”
He added that the ordinance related to this regulation has been passed. Once the Governor signs it, it will be implemented across all schools in Punjab. If a school management wishes to raise fees, they must apply to our regulatory body six months in advance. This body will conduct a financial audit before allowing any increase beyond the 5% limit.
Bains also highlighted a significant relief in the ordinance: schools that have raised fees by more than 15% in the past three years will be required to refund the excess amount to parents. The Mann government aims to prevent private schools from becoming exploitative entities.
Bains noted, “We have implemented strict penalties in this ordinance. Our regulatory body has been granted powers similar to those of a civil court. They can summon schools and collect evidence.”
Meanwhile, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema criticized the BJP leadership. He stated that regardless of how many times Nitin Nawin visits, the farmers and traders of Punjab are aware that the BJP is anti-Punjab. Cheema also sharply criticized the Congress party, claiming it has completely transformed and lost its relevance in the country. “Their decline is evident, and there is no one left in Punjab to support them. They are finished,” he remarked.
On the controversy surrounding donations for the Ram Temple, Cheema said, “Today, the BJP does not spare our religion either. In places where people go with faith, bow their heads, and seek blessings, I believe the BJP is stealing from the donations made there.”
In response to BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh’s statement, Minister Cheema emphasized, “This is not a stunt. The Aam Aadmi Party government has initiated the registration process for all our women, mothers, and sisters under the ‘Mawan-Dhiyan Satkar Scheme.’ We will transfer three months’ worth of funds to their accounts on July 1. So far, approximately 3 million registrations have been completed, and this number is expected to grow.”
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