BEIJING, Aug. 26 -- Legislators on Wednesday deliberated amendments to laws on education to promote the development of private schools.

The amendments were submitted to the country's top legislature during its bi-monthly session that started on Monday.

According to the amendments, private schools can choose their own method of operation and register as non-profit or profit-making enterprises.

Non-profit private schools will charge fees according to regulations made by local governments, while for-profit private schools can decide the fee criteria on their own.

Private schools operating in violation of the regulations and rules should be shut down. Violators should return fees and may be fined one to five times of their illegal gains, said the amendments.