AAP slams BJP govt over fee hike in private schools

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched a fierce attack on the BJP-led Delhi Government on Friday, accusing it of empowering private schools to hike fees with impunity, and harass parents. The party alleged that the education system had once again fallen prey to the “education mafia”, just two months after the BJP assumed power in the Capital.

AAP national convener and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condemned the alleged mistreatment of students by Delhi Public School (DPS), Dwarka, where children were reportedly confined to a library over unpaid dues following a fee hike.

“How dare the education mafia mistreat our children? Because the leaders and ministers are in their pockets — just like they used to be before our government came to power,” Kejriwal said in a post on X.

AAP leaders claimed that several private schools had unilaterally increased fees by as much as 10 per cent this academic year, putting immense pressure on parents.

Amid public outrage, AAP accused BJP ministers of maintaining silence and avoiding engagement with protesting families.

AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned the BJP’s “inaction”.

“Parents are protesting outside private schools, and BJP ministers are busy with theatrics inside government schools. They should be going where the problem is, but they’re too scared of private school owners,” he said.

Talking about a recent incident where a woman reportedly fainted while protesting fee hikes, Bharadwaj said, “Ministers didn’t even have the courage to visit. Instead, they’re indulging in photo-ops. Videos of these protests are all over social media.”

Atishi, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, posted a video of protesting parents outside a school.

She claimed that school authorities were openly stating their intention to raise fees annually by 10 per cent, with no fear of audit or government intervention.

“This confidence clearly indicates that the BJP government has given schools a green signal for arbitrary hikes,” she alleged.

Calling this a betrayal to Delhi parents and students, AAP demanded immediate regulation of private school fees and action against institutions found guilty of misconduct.

The party also urged the BJP-led government to intervene and provide relief to aggrieved families.

Delhi