In response to rising concerns over arbitrary fee hikes by private schools, the Punjab government has initiated the drafting of legislation aimed at regulating these fees. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's announcement comes on the heels of a tragic incident where a 17-year-old student reportedly took his own life due to harassment related to school fees. The proposed legislation, directed by School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, will cap annual fee increases at 5% and require schools that have increased fees by more than 15% over the past three years to refund the excess amounts collected from parents. Bains highlighted that the government prioritizes accessible and affordable education, aiming to protect the rights of over 32 lakh students enrolled in approximately 7,800 private schools across the state. He criticized previous regulations that allowed schools to raise fees with minimal oversight, which contributed to financial burdens on families. The new law seeks to ensure that private educational institutions operate transparently and in the best interests of students and parents.