New Delhi: Directorate of Education (DoE) has laid down the mandatory procedure for all recognised private unaided schools to constitute school-level fee regulation committees (SLFRCs) for the academic session 2026-27, laying down a comprehensive procedure for the selection of parent and teacher representatives and regulation of fees.According to DoE, the circular has been issued to implement Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025, and Rules framed thereunder, while complying with the directions of Delhi High Court.The circular notes that while Delhi High Court has stayed certain provisions of Removal of Difficulties Order, 2025, the operation of the Act itself has not been stayed. As such, DoE indicated that the statutory framework under the Act continued to operate, along with the prescribed timelines.Referring to the court proceedings, the circular states that private unaided schools shall continue to charge the fees applicable for the previous academic year in 2026-27 until the same is determined under the Act and Rules as per the outcome of the petitions.Education minister Ashish Sood said, “This is the transparent and participatory fee regulation framework we had envisaged from the outset. The vision is being implemented through a clear, time-bound process. The constitution of these committees will make the system more accountable, transparent and fair.”DoE has directed every recognised private unaided school to constitute a parent-teachers association (PTA) before constituting its SLFRC. The schools must complete their constitution by July 15. The committee will comprise a management representative as chairperson, the principal as secretary, three teachers selected through a transparent draw of lots, five parents chosen through a draw of lots from PTA, and an observer nominated by DoE.The circular also requires schools to give at least seven days’ public notice before conducting the draw, videograph the selection process, prepare written minutes, and preserve the recordings for two years. The names of parent and teacher representatives must be uploaded on the schools’ official websites and notice boards within seven working days.The circular also prescribes timelines for reporting the selected committee members, filling casual vacancies, holding annual meetings, and submitting proposed fee structures.According to DoE, every proposal for fee revision must be accompanied by audited financial statements for the previous three financial years, certified by a chartered accountant. Unaudited or self-certified financial documents will be treated as non-compliance.DoE said SLFRCs would examine proposed fee structures, seek clarifications wherever necessary, and approve or reject proposals in accordance with the Act and Rules. The committees will also ensure that no unauthorised fee heads are introduced and that the approved fee structure is displayed prominently.The circular emphasises that the observer will independently oversee the functioning of the SLFRC and report any procedural lapses or non-compliance directly to DoE.