Reacting to the ongoing discussions regarding the Punjab Government’s proposal to reduce the maximum annual fee hike limit for unaided private schools from 8% to 5%, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Saini, Convener of the Federation of Private Schools and Associations of Punjab (FAP), stated that such a move would be neither in the interest of parents nor educational institutions. He said that if the government genuinely wishes to reduce the financial burden on parents, it should first provide relief from the direct and indirect taxes imposed on private educational institutions. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Saini informed that during a recent meeting of district presidents and core committee members from across Punjab held in Ludhiana, it was unanimously decided to strongly present the concerns of private schools before the government. Addressing the gathering, he said that the prevailing inflation rate remains between 5% and 6%. In such a scenario, limiting annual fee increases to 5% would leave schools with inadequate financial resources. This, he said, would directly impact the salaries of teachers and other employees, making it difficult to provide them with reasonable increments. He further pointed out that schools are required to obtain various mandatory safety certifications from different departments every year. The fees for Fire Safety and Building Safety certificates have increased by 100% to 200% in recent years. Dr. Saini questioned why there is no fixed limit when the government increases fees in institutions under its own control, while restrictions are being imposed on private educational institutions. He added that the Federation would present its case before the government based on facts and data. If the government takes any unilateral decision without consulting all stakeholders, educational institutions may be compelled to seek legal recourse to safeguard their interests. Dr. Saini further stated that a large number of schools in Punjab charge monthly fees ranging between ₹3,000 and ₹5,000. If these schools are not allowed a reasonable increase in fees, it would become difficult for them to maintain quality education, provide modern facilities, and offer respectable salaries to qualified teachers. He expressed hope that the Punjab Government would take into account the genuine needs and challenges faced by private schools and educational institutions that are contributing significantly to the education sector. He urged the government to strike a balance between the interests of parents, students, teachers, and educational institutions so that both the quality of education and the financial sustainability of institutions can be maintained.