Petition to Regulate Private School Fees in Bangalore and India
To:
The Chief Minister of Karnataka,
The Union Minister of Education, Government of India,
The Karnataka Department of School Education,
and Concerned Authorities
Subject: Urgent Request to Regulate Exorbitant Fee Structures in Private Schools
We, the undersigned,
Parents, guardians, and concerned citizens of Bangalore and India, call upon the government to address the unchecked rise in private school fees, which has placed an immense financial burden on ordinary families, undermining the fundamental right to education.
The Issue:
Private schools in Bangalore and across the country have increased fees dramatically, often by 10-30% annually, with some charging upwards of ₹2 lakh for early education (e.g., LKG). For instance, fees in Bengaluru have surged from ₹20,000-25,000 five years ago to ₹1-2.5 lakh today, far outpacing inflation and salary growth for middle-class families. Weak enforcement of existing regulations, legal loopholes, and lack of transparency allow schools to justify these hikes with claims of infrastructure costs (₹20-30 crore in some cases) and quality education, yet many lack accountability.
Our Concerns: 
Affordability Crisis: Middle- and lower-income families can no longer afford quality education, forcing them to compromise on their children’s future. 
Lack of Regulation: Despite state-level rules (e.g., Karnataka Education Act, 1983), enforcement is inconsistent, and national oversight is absent. 
Commercialization of Education: Schools exploit autonomy to prioritize profit over public welfare, contradicting the Right to Education Act, 2009.
Our Demands: 
Cap Fee Increases: Implement a nationwide policy capping annual fee hikes at 5-10%, aligned with inflation, unless justified through transparent audits. 
Fee Regulation Committee: Establish a centralized regulatory body, as mandated by the Supreme Court in 2004, to oversee private school finances and prevent profiteering. 
Transparency: Require schools to publicly disclose fee breakdowns, staff salaries, and infrastructure expenses on their websites and government portals (e.g., SATS). 
Penalties for Violations: Enforce strict fines and derecognition for schools charging exorbitant fees without justification. 
Support for Families: Extend RTE benefits to middle-income families and provide subsidies or tax relief for education expenses.
Why This Matters:
Education is a right, not a privilege. Without immediate action, millions of children risk being excluded from quality schooling, widening inequality and stunting India’s progress. States like Telangana (2025 Fee Regulation Bill) and Tamil Nadu (Fee Determination Committee) have taken steps—Karnataka and the Central Government must follow.
Call to Action:
We urge you to introduce and enforce a National Fee Regulation Act, prioritizing students and families over commercial interests. We request a response within 30 days.