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The Punjab School Education Department has acknowledged that it does not have the legal authority to determine the fee structure of private schools, highlighting a major gap in the province’s education regulatory system. The disclosure was made during a meeting of the Punjab Assembly Standing Committee on School Education, where officials explained the department’s limited powers.
According to department representatives, the current Punjab Private Educational Institutions (Promotion and Regulation) framework allows the government to regulate annual fee increases but does not permit it to fix the initial fees charged by private schools. Under existing rules, schools are generally not allowed to increase tuition fees by more than 4% to 5% annually, depending on applicable regulations.
The clarification sparked questions from committee members, who pointed out that the department had presented a different interpretation during an earlier meeting. Officials responded that while they can review annual fee hikes, they cannot legally decide what a private school should charge at the time of admission.
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Lawmakers also questioned why the department could not take stronger action against schools when it already has the authority to register, monitor, and inspect private educational institutions. Several members argued that registration powers should also include stricter oversight to protect parents from unreasonable fee structures.
Committee members expressed concern that many private schools charge high admission fees, monthly tuition, annual funds, and other compulsory charges, making quality education increasingly difficult to afford for middle-income and low-income families. They warned that rising education costs continue to place financial pressure on thousands of households across Punjab.
During the discussion, some lawmakers called for stricter enforcement against institutions that violate existing regulations. They suggested that schools repeatedly found ignoring legal requirements or charging unauthorized fees should face penalties, including suspension or cancellation of their registration.
The committee emphasized the need for greater transparency in private school fee policies and urged the Punjab School Education Department to explore legal reforms that would strengthen oversight while ensuring private institutions continue to operate under clear and fair regulations.
The issue of private school fees in Punjab has remained a key concern for parents for years. Education experts believe that stronger regulatory mechanisms, transparent fee policies, and effective monitoring could help create a better balance between the financial sustainability of private schools and the affordability of quality education for students.