Should Schools Charge Extra For AC? Noida School’s Rs 500 ‘AC Fee’ Sparks Row | Education and Career News
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Bal Bharti Public School in Sector 21, Noida, recently began charging Rs 500 per month from July 1 for students studying in its 24 air-conditioned classrooms.
According to parents, the fee hike goes against the DFRC guidelines, which require transparency and prior disclosure of fee structures before the start of the academic session. (File/Representative)
A new monthly air-conditioning fee introduced by a private school in Noida has sparked a debate over school fee regulations and the rising cost of education. Parents have raised objections, alleging that the move violates fee rules, while the school has defended its decision citing legal backing and rising operational costs.
Bal Bharti Public School in Sector 21, Noida, recently began charging Rs 500 per month from July 1 for students studying in its 24 air-conditioned classrooms. The charge applies to students in Bal Vatika and selected sections of classes 8 to 12, reported Times of India.
According to the school, the fee is intended to cover installation, electricity usage, maintenance, and repair of air-conditioning systems. However, several parents have objected to the charge, calling it an unexpected financial burden introduced mid-academic session. With an average class strength of around 40 students, parents estimate that each AC classroom could be generating nearly Rs 20,000 per month from the new fee.
According to parents, the fee hike goes against the District Fee Regulatory Committee (DFRC) guidelines, which require transparency and prior disclosure of fee structures before the start of the academic session, the report added.
They also claim that the school has already increased overall fees this year, adding to the financial pressure on families. Many parents said they already pay around Rs 11,700 in monthly school fees, and the additional AC charge translates to nearly Rs 6,000 extra per year—even though the air conditioners are used mainly during summer months.
School Cites Delhi High Court Ruling
In its official notice, the school stated that the decision aligns with observations made by the Delhi High Court in the case Manish Goel v. Govt of NCT of Delhi & Others (WPC 6151/2024), decided on May 2, 2024.
In that ruling, the court had dismissed a petition challenging AC-related charges of Rs 2,000 per month and noted that parents may be expected to share the cost of facilities such as air conditioning. The judgment also highlighted the importance of considering infrastructure and amenities while choosing a school.
The school has maintained that the fee is justified under these principles and reflects rising operational expenses.
Rising Transport And Fuel Costs
Alongside the AC fee, the school circular also mentioned that transport charges would remain unchanged for now, but could increase by up to Rs 100 per month in the future due to rising CNG prices. The school claimed that fuel cost increases have already raised transport expenses by approximately Rs 162 per student.
Beyond fee hikes, some parents have also alleged that the school requires uniforms and stationery to be purchased only from designated vendors. They claim the quality of products is poor while prices remain high, and that despite complaints, no changes have been made.
The All Noida School Parents Association (ANSPA) has stated that it plans to escalate the matter to the district magistrate, arguing that private schools cannot impose additional charges without prior approval from the DFRC.
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