In a recent meeting, the District Fee Regulatory Committee (DFRC) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, addressed complaints regarding arbitrary fee hikes in private schools. For the 2026-27 academic year, the committee has set a fee increase limit of 7.23%, calculated based on a 5% increase plus the consumer price index (CPI). Parents have reported that many schools have raised fees by 10% or more, prompting calls for refunds or adjustments. The committee emphasized that schools should not compel parents to buy books, uniforms, or other materials from specific vendors. Violations could lead to penalties, including fines up to ₹1 lakh for first offenses and ₹5 lakh for repeat violations, along with potential cancellation of school recognition. Despite these measures, parents expressed dissatisfaction with the timing of the meeting, noting that most schools had already collected revised fees before the session began. They also highlighted ongoing pressure to purchase from designated vendors, which can lead to significant costs, such as a ₹10,000 set of books. Officials reiterated that complaints regarding fee hikes can be brought before the committee, although they did not confirm if any formal complaints had been received.