Overview
- Education Minister Ranoj Pegu introduced the Assam Non-Government Educational Institutions (Regulation of Fees) (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the state Assembly.
- Minority-run schools would be brought under the fee-fixation framework, ending their current exemption and requiring fee certificates from competent authorities.
- The proposal mandates that private schools in panchayat areas charge at least 25% less than comparable urban institutions to ease costs for rural families.
- The government cites more than 200 minority schools operating without fee-fixation certificates and complaints of annual hikes and non-school expenditure being covered by higher fees.
- The Assam Christian Forums objects, warning of an Article 30(1) rights infringement, and urges the state to pause the bill, amend it, and include minority representation in oversight.