A major controversy has erupted at Delhi Public School (DPS) Dwarka, where parents have launched a protest against what they allege is an arbitrary fee hike. The situation took a serious turn when parents claimed that students were held inside the school library, effectively being locked in and barred from attending their regular classes.

Allegations of 'Hostage-like' Situation in Library

Parents of the students say that children were not allowed to enter classrooms and instead were confined to the school library. The reason, according to them, was non-payment of increased fees. Many of these students are in Class 10, a crucial academic year, and parents are calling the move "inhumane and damaging."

The incident has caused outrage, with parents gathering outside the school to voice their anger.

DM Confirms Children Were Found in Library

The District Magistrate (DM) of South West Delhi, Lakshya Singhal, visited the school to investigate the matter. He confirmed to the media that students were indeed found in the library and were not permitted to join regular classes.

"We found children sitting in the library when we went for inspection. An investigation report has been sent to the Directorate of Education," said the DM.

Parents’ Demands and Concerns

Parents allege that:

• DPS Dwarka is charging fees without DOE approval.
• The school, built on DDA land, is not permitted to hike fees unilaterally.
• Children are being penalized for their parents' protest by being isolated during school hours.
• There has been a failure of action from education authorities and child rights bodies.

They demand that:

• Concrete action be taken against the school.
• Officials from the NCPCR and the Directorate of Education who failed to intervene should be held accountable.
• The Delhi government enforce transparency and regulation over fee structures in private schools.

Silence from School Administration

Despite repeated attempts by media to reach out, no official response has been received from DPS Dwarka. TV9 Bharatvarsh reported that emails and WhatsApp messages to the school went unanswered, and no school representative addressed concerns when reporters visited the campus.

What's Next?

With the Education Department now in possession of the DM’s report, the next steps will likely involve a formal investigation. The case has sparked a wider debate on private school autonomy, parental rights, and the accountability of educational institutions operating on public land.