Punjab Cabinet Approves Ordinance Against Arbitrary School Fee Hikes; Violators Risk Derecognition

June 22, 2026

Mohali: No private educational institution in Punjab will be able to increase fees by more than 5% (percent) annually. An ordinance to this effect was approved at a cabinet meeting. It has been sent to the Governor for final approval.

This information was given by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains after a cabinet meeting. They said that any school that has increased fees by more than 15 percent in the last 36 months will be required to refund the money to parents.

He said that if any school wants to increase fees by 5%, a committee has been formed to do so. Schools must apply six months in advance. They must also conduct a financial audit and explain why they have increased fees.

All schools must disclose their fixed fees two months before the start of each academic session. This rule applies to the Punjab School Education Board, CBSE, ICSE, and international boards.

This process of increasing fees by more than 5 percent