Maharashtra Drafts Law To Regulate Private Coaching Centres: Safety, Ads In Focus

According to a Hindustan Times (HT) report, the Maharashtra government is working on a new law to regulate private coaching classes in the state. This law will focus on the qualifications of teachers, classroom safety, infrastructure standards, and the truthfulness of advertisements. However, officials are still debating whether the law should also control the fees charged by coaching centres.

The state's school education department is studying similar laws from other states such as Karnataka, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. They are also looking at the central government's guidelines for coaching centres. Officials say the bill might be introduced in the upcoming monsoon session of the state legislature. It is also part of the department's 100-day action plan.

One of the main features of the proposed law is that all coaching classes will need to register with the government. The law will also mention how much space should be provided per student. While central guidelines suggest one square metre per student, this might not be possible in crowded cities like Mumbai and Pune. So, the Maharashtra law may adjust this requirement. Coaching classes will also need to follow proper safety norms, and their safety measures will need regular approval from authorities.

However, there is no final decision yet on whether the government will regulate the fees. "Coaching classes are not part of the core education system run by the government," an officer said, as per the HT report. "Students choose to join them, and the fees are agreed upon privately. So, it might not be right for the government to fix a fee limit."

The law will also try to stop coaching centres from publishing false or exaggerated advertisements. "Many coaching classes claim their students get top marks or pass tough exams. Sometimes, these claims are not true," an officer explained. "The new law will prevent such misleading promotions."

Officials are also discussing which types of classes should come under the new rules. "This law will apply only to academic coaching centres. Classes for music, dance, or sports like cricket will not be included," another officer clarified.

Ranjit Singh Deol, Principal Secretary of the School Education Department, said, "We are carefully reviewing laws from other states. Our goal is to create a well-rounded and effective law. But it is too early to say whether it will be ready for the monsoon session."

The proposed law aims to make coaching classes safer, more transparent, and more accountable to students and their families.