Punjab to Cap Private School Fee Hikes at 5%; CM Mann Announces Tough Law After Student’s Death

Chandigarh, June 2026 : In a major move aimed at regulating private educational institutions and protecting parents from what he described as exploitative practices, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced that his government will introduce a stringent law to cap annual fee increases in private schools at five per cent.

The announcement comes in the wake of the tragic death of a 17-year-old Class 12 student from Amritsar, whose family alleged that she faced continuous harassment over unpaid school fees.

Addressing a press conference, Mann said the state government had received numerous complaints from parents regarding arbitrary fee hikes and the treatment of students whose families were unable to pay fees on time. He alleged that some private schools had developed into a “school mafia” and warned that the government would not allow educational institutions to function without accountability.

The Chief Minister said parents had reported several troubling practices, including the withholding of roll numbers before examinations, refusal to issue certificates without fee clearance, and public humiliation of students over pending dues. According to him, such actions have caused immense stress to children and families.

As part of the proposed reforms, the government plans to limit annual fee increases to a maximum of five per cent on the total fees charged by schools, including tuition fees and other associated charges. Mann clarified that the cap would apply to the cumulative fee structure rather than a single component.

In another significant decision, the Chief Minister stated that schools which had increased fees by more than 15 per cent during the past three years would be required to refund the excess amount collected from parents.

Mann said the government would bring an ordinance within the next few days, which would later be placed before the Punjab Vidhan Sabha for legislative approval. The proposed law will empower authorities to take strict action against institutions found violating the regulations.

He warned that schools flouting the new norms could face audits, financial scrutiny, penalties, and even cancellation of affiliations. The government is also considering extending similar regulations to private colleges and other educational institutions after wider consultations.

The Chief Minister said experts from the education sector would be involved in drafting the legislation to ensure transparency and practicality. He also clarified that schools would not be allowed to force parents to purchase books, uniforms, or study materials from designated vendors.

Criticising previous administrations, Mann said there had been restrictions on fee increases in earlier years, but alleged that private institutions were later given excessive freedom, resulting in unchecked hikes and growing financial burdens on families.

The announcement follows the death of Amjot Kaur, a Class 12 student from Fatehgarh Churian near Amritsar. According to her family, the teenager endured repeated pressure from school authorities over outstanding fees of around Rs 20,000. They alleged that she was isolated, humiliated, and subjected to mental harassment by school officials.

Before her death, Amjot reportedly recorded a video statement while undergoing treatment in hospital, describing the difficulties she faced. Her family said she was an academically bright student who aspired to join the Indian Administrative Service.

The incident sparked widespread outrage across Punjab, leading to demands for stricter oversight of private schools. Punjab Police have registered a case of abetment to suicide, while Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has assured that those found responsible will face strict action.

Reiterating his government’s commitment to educational reforms, Mann said private schools would not be allowed to operate beyond regulatory oversight. He stressed that education should remain accessible and affordable while assuring that the state would continue investing in strengthening government schools and improving educational opportunities for all students.