New Delhi, June 4 -- The Punjab government has unveiled a proposed regulatory framework aimed at tightening oversight of private school fees, including a 5% annual ceiling on fee hikes, mandatory refunds of excess fees collected from parents and a graded penalty system that could ultimately result in cancellation of a school's recognition.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced the measures on Wednesday, describing the proposed legislation as the country's strictest law against arbitrary fee increases by private schools. The law is expected to be introduced during the forthcoming Assembly session.

The proposed framework will apply to all private schools in Punjab. According to the government, the 5% ceiling will cover not only tui...