AAP Challenges New Delhi Private School Fee Bill, Launches Awareness Campaign

AAP President Saurabh Bharadwaj criticizes a new education bill regulating private school fees as being against middle-class parents. The party initiates a campaign, distributing pamphlets, to raise awareness. Meanwhile, AAP proposes amendments for school audits, parental rights, and transparency to counter the controversial bill.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has voiced strong opposition to a newly introduced education bill in Delhi, which seeks to regulate the fees of private schools. AAP President Saurabh Bharadwaj labeled the bill as "anti-middle-class," arguing it favors private school owners over parents. In response to the legislation, the party has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign, distributing pamphlets outside private schools across the national capital to inform parents about potential fee hikes.

Addressing a press conference, Senior AAP leader Atishi highlighted the lack of parental involvement in the bill's formation and urged BJP legislators to align with parents rather than "private school profiteers." The party has proposed amendments to the bill, including mandatory school audits, elected parent representation, easier complaint processes, and the right for parents to challenge school committee decisions in court.

The AAP has criticized the BJP-led government's delayed response in tabling the bill, which had been in discussion since April amidst increasing unrest among parents over arbitrary fee hikes. The party contends that the legislation was developed without sufficient consultation with educational and legal experts, maintaining that it serves the interests of school management rather than the student community.

(With inputs from agencies.)