MoE urges J&K Govt, other states to bring legal framework to regulate private coaching centres

Srinagar, Jan 19: After framing the guidelines for regulation of the private coaching centres, the Ministry of Education, Government of India (GoI) has asked the J&K government and all other states to review the guidelines and consider their incorporation into an appropriate legal framework.

In an official communication to all the Chief Secretaries and Administrative Secretaries of Higher Education Department, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has stated that there was a need to address the rampant growth of unregulated private coaching centres.

As already reported, the MoE has issued strict guidelines for the regulation of private coaching institutes in all states and Union Territories (UTs).  In wake of this, the MoE has issued a directive to all the States and Union Territories (UTs) to consider implementing a robust legal framework to regulate these institutions.

"Carefully review the guidelines and consider their incorporation into an appropriate legal framework. The lack of a structured policy has given rise to numerous issues, including exorbitant fees, undue stress on students leading to suicides, and instances of accidents resulting in loss of lives," the official communication reads.

The MoE has stated that the guidelines are aimed at to strike a balance between providing students with additional educational support and protecting their interests.

The MoE has highlighted the alarming increase in the number of unregulated coaching centers, emphasising the need for immediate action to curb malpractices within the industry.

"Concerns have been raised about the exploitation of students through exorbitant fees, the adverse impact on mental health, and incidents of accidents that have resulted in tragic losses of lives," the official communication reads.

The MoE in the official communication has stated that the guidelines already issued seek to empower State and UT governments to effectively regulate coaching centers within their jurisdiction.

"Given that education falls under the concurrent list, the responsibility of regulating 2 level education primarily lies with the respective State and UT governments," it reads.

As already reported the MoE has set certain conditions for registration of a private coaching centre which include that no coaching institute should enroll any students below the age of 16 years in the institute.