Hyderabad parents are facing a tough time as many private schools have sharply raised their fees this year. In some cases, the hike is as high as 60%, putting a heavy burden on families. Parents are now urging the Telangana government to step in and control these rising costs.
Many believe schools are exploiting the lack of strong fee regulations in the state. Instead of following government rules, several schools are adding hidden charges and even penalizing parents for minor delays in payments. These payments are usually required only three times a year, but late fees are making the situation worse.
Over the past few years, fees in private schools have nearly doubled, according to multiple surveys. Despite this, authorities have not taken strong action. Currently, about 36 lakh students in Telangana study in private institutions, most of which continue to operate without proper oversight.
Both the Telangana Recognized School Managements Association (TRSMA) and the Hyderabad School Parents’ Association (HSPA) have submitted requests to the government. They’re asking for clear guidelines and faster action on the proposed fee regulation and monitoring commission for private schools and junior colleges.
Venkat Sainath, the organizing secretary of HSPA, expressed concern over the unchecked hikes. “Some schools have raised fees by 60%, and a few even by 100%,” he said. “This is happening because there’s no system to regulate school fees. We need a proper commission that clearly defines what schools are allowed to charge.”
The Right to Education (RTE) Act lays out strict rules for private schools. It says schools must not collect capitation fees or donations. If they do, they can face fines up to ten times the amount. Schools giving entrance tests to children could be fined ₹25,000 to ₹50,000. The Act also requires that 25% of seats in primary classes be reserved for students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Parents and education activists are calling for stronger public education and a strict fee regulation law to make schooling affordable and fair for everyone. They believe this is essential for upholding the true spirit of the RTE Act.
