The District Education Authority (DEA) Lahore has issued a set of strict new regulations for private schools aimed at curbing unjustified fee hikes and easing the financial burden on parents.
According to an official notification, private schools are now restricted from increasing annual tuition fees by more than 5 percent. Additionally, institutions are prohibited from collecting fees for more than one month at a time, eliminating the common practice of demanding advance or bulk payments.
The DEA also directed schools to strictly follow their approved fee structures and warned against the imposition of any hidden or additional charges. Importantly, the notice bans the expulsion of students due to late fee payments, ensuring that children’s education is not disrupted by financial difficulties.
In a bid to promote fairness and transparency, the guidelines explicitly prohibit schools from forcing parents to purchase books, uniforms, or other educational materials from specific vendors. Furthermore, the authority has banned extra charges for summer camps and similar activities.
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The DEA has cautioned that any violations of these rules will result in legal action. The move is part of a broader effort to standardize educational expenses and protect families from exploitative practices in the private education sector.