Punjab caps private school fee hikes at 5%

The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, promulgated the Punjab Regulation of Fees of Unaided Educational Institutions (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, on July 13, 2026. The ordinance caps annual fee hikes at 5%, requires refunds for increases exceeding 15% over the past three years, and treats all charges (including transport and building fees) as part of tuition fees. Schools must upload fee records for the last four years within 10 days. Violations incur fines of ₹50,000 (first), ₹1 lakh (second), and derecognition (third). The move aims to protect over 3.2 million students in nearly 7,800 private schools. Governor Gulab Chand Kataria gave consent. The government cited Supreme Court guidelines against profiteering in education.