Karnataka's New Cabinet Panel Tackles Soaring School Fees Amidst Parent Outcry

Karnataka's government has formed a new five-member Cabinet sub-committee, led by Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader, to address the escalating cost of education and unregulated fees charged by private schools. This move comes as parents across the state face significant fee hikes, with some institutions raising tuition by up to 15-20% for the 2026-27 academic year, sparking widespread protests and demands for stricter oversight. The committee has been given just one month to submit its recommendations, highlighting the urgency of the issue. The 'bull run' in school fees has left many middle-class families struggling, especially with examples like a viral post showing a whopping ₹2.1 lakh fee for a third-grade student in Bengaluru. While Karnataka's existing law allows schools to set fees with a formula, it lacks a centralised regulatory body like Tamil Nadu's, making it harder to control arbitrary increases. Adding to the pressure, the Karnataka School Parents Association (KASPA) is preparing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to push for a statutory fee regulation framework, mirroring the Tamil Nadu model. Even a 2024 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report pointed out the absence of effective mechanisms to monitor fee collection, leading to widespread violations. With the Cabinet panel expected to deliver its report soon, all eyes are on the state government to see if it can finally implement robust measures to rein in private school fees. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has already warned private schools about potential fee regulation if they don't contribute to improving government schools. The outcome will not only affect thousands of families but also set a precedent for education affordability across the state, making transparent and accountable fee structures a crucial next step.