Delhi govt collects 600 school audit reports

The Delhi government collected audited financial reports from 600 schools within seven days amid growing complaints of arbitrary fee hikes.

Education Minister Ashish Sood said that 10 schools received show-cause notices for failing to submit audit reports over the past 10 years.

"While the AAP government managed to collect audited reports from only 75 schools in one year, we have gathered reports from 600 schools in just seven days. We have already issued show-cause notices to 10 schools that haven't submitted their reports for the last 10 years," said Sood.

He added that a comprehensive framework is being established to ensure accountability, and the Education Department will not tolerate any malpractice related to fee increases.

"We'll tighten the noose around these schools and establish a strong documentation system. We'll look at how capricious fee increases were previously authorized and whether there were any corrupt activities under the previous administration. Under no circumstances will we accept such malpractices," he underlined.

Parents and students have protested alleged harassment and unwarranted cost increases in response to public indignation about fee hikes.

Sood brought up a significant development in reference to Delhi Public School (DPS), which had previously filed a lawsuit against the Delhi government.

"Today is a significant day for Delhi's educational system. A committee led by a DM made its first visit to DPS. The Delhi government was sued by DPS, but the school was chastised by the court. The court has now ordered the DM to make sure that pupils' education is not interrupted, based on the report from our committee," he stated.

He went on to say, "DPS has not been successfully targeted for the previous five years. But today, the court has finally held DPS accountable, thanks to the efforts of our DM-led committee and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's leadership. Based on the committee's conclusions, we will implement stringent measures.

Sood reaffirmed the present administration's dedication to educational regulation and transparency. 
"We want to get audit results from Delhi's 1,670 schools. He declared that dishonesty would not be tolerated.
On April 15, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched an investigation into the tuition hike claims after meeting with worried parents at her home. 

"It is completely unacceptable for any school to mentally harass parents or students, threaten expulsion, or increase fees without following due process," stated the CM.

She also restated her government's resolve to raise the capital's educational standards. 
"We are committed to ensuring that every child receives access to quality and modern education," she stated.