In a historic move, the Delhi government on Tuesday passed several bills focused majorly on educational reforms, with a single amendment. The three major bills passed were: the Delhi School Education (Amendment) Bill 2015, the Delhi School (Verification of Accounts and Refund of Excess Fee Bill) 2015 that seeks to regulate and refund excess fees at private institutions, and The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Delhi Amendment) Bill which eradicates the no-detention policy from entry level classes.

Calling it a “historic” moment, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said, “The three bills are proof that we are very serious about education. It is our top priority. Eradicating corruption is just a means; ultimately our goal is that every child in the city is educated and healthy.” Kejriwal said these bills will be especially effective in bringing down fees at private schools and those who violate the rules will be punished with a heavy fine and a jail term.

As per the Delhi School Education (Amendment) Bill (DSEAA), can be levied penalty of different grades for taking interviews at the entry levels including the nursery admission and charging capitation fees. Offenders will be liable for a fine which may extend up to Rs 5 lakh for the first contravention and Rs 10 lakh for each subsequent contravention.

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Delhi Amendment) Bill seeks to do away with the no-detention policy till Class VIII by amending relevant sections of the Right to Education Act, which the government argues, were “prohibiting” quality education in schools.

“It was necessary to bring these changes in the education system because, in the present, nobody could run a private school without engaging in cheating or corruption,” said Kejriwal, adding, “Now the mechanism will be such that those who want to run their schools with honesty can do so, and those who don’t will be punished.”

The chief minister added that the recommendations of the seventh pay commission would be implemented for the teachers coming under the panel. “Every private school will pay what the government will prescribe. For this, a committee will give suggestions. Schools will adhere to the formula set by this committee”

The government will also get chartered accountants to verify accounts of each school. “This will bring down fees of private schools as they will no longer be able to fudge their income and expenditure,” said Kejriwal.

Kejriwal said, “We have to change the system entirely. Not only do we have to improve government schools but also need to train teachers, get more teachers and do all of this within the next four years.”