The Directorate of Education (DoE) in New Delhi has issued a directive requiring private unaided recognized schools to collect fees on a monthly basis, eliminating the practice of advance or lump-sum payments. This decision follows numerous complaints from parents who reported financial hardships caused by schools insisting on bi-monthly or quarterly payments. The DoE's order emphasizes that no school can compel parents to pay fees for more than one month at a time, although parents may choose to pay for multiple months voluntarily. The directive also prohibits schools from making advance fee payments a prerequisite for admission or access to services. To promote transparency, schools are instructed to display this order prominently and upload it on their websites within seven working days. Failure to comply may result in actions under the Delhi School Education Act and Rules, 1973, including potential withdrawal of school recognition. This move aims to ensure equitable access to education and address long-standing concerns regarding fee collection practices in the capital.