Delhi government tables two education bills in assembly

The Aam Aadmi Party government on Friday tabled two education bills in the state assembly, triggering a walkout by the opposition BJP that said central government permission was not taken before one of these was introduced.

The Bharatiya Janata Party walkout came in protest against the tabling of Delhi School Education (Amendment) Bill, 2015. The party said its introduction was violative of rules as the Centre's prior nod was not taken.

As per the amended bill, the Delhi government will decide on nursery admission guidelines. Besides, private schools will not be allowed to charge capitation fee.

The bill, tabled by Education Minister Manish Sisodia, also provides for doing away with the screening process for admission-seekers.

Charging capitation fee would invite a fine that is 10 times the amount charged or Rs.5 lakh.

Schools will have to cough up Rs.5 lakh if caught screening students for the first time. They will be charged Rs.10 lakh for subsequent violation of the rule.

Delhi School (Verification of Accounts and Refund of Excess Fee) Bill, 2015, provides for the setting up a panel under a retired judge to get accounts of schools audited by chartered accountants.