The fee structure approved by the DFRC on the basis of salaries paid to teachers and staff, retirement benefits, running expenditure and infrastructure facilities would be valid for three years. And in case the management has a reason to increase the fee every year based on consumer price index, it should refer the proposal to the panel for approval.

According to the orders, private schools can collect a one-time fee of not more than Rs.100 towards application, Rs.500 towards registration and a refundable caution deposit of Rs.5,000, which would be intimated to the DFRC for approval. No other fee should be charged as a one-time measure.

The government also imposed restrictions on sale of text books, stationery and uniform in the schools at exorbitant prices and also collection of hefty transportation fee.

It said private schools should not hold classes beyond the stipulated hours. In case extra classes are held, it should be optional for children to attend extra classes and no extra fee shall be charged for this.

The government also banned schools from using tags like IIT Olympiad, international, talent, techno, model, concept, e-school as such schools were found collecting hefty fees.

The orders have come as a big relief to aggrieved parents, who were paying Rs.75,000 to Rs.150,000 as tuition fee. The schools were also fleecing parents in the name of development fees, library fees and sports fees.