In response to concerns about unregulated private Coaching Centers causing stress and charging excessive fees, the Ministry of Education has introduced comprehensive guidelines for coaching institutes nationwide. Let’s break down the key changes:
Coaching Centre Registration and Age Restriction
- Coaching centers must register with the designated state authority before operating.
- Students below 16 years of age cannot be enrolled, ensuring a focus on secondary school examination graduates.
Mental Health and Well-being
- Recognizing academic pressure, coaching centers are mandated to prioritize mental well-being.
- Immediate intervention mechanisms and counseling services, involving experienced psychologists, are encouraged.
- A framework for mental health promotion addresses various levels of student issues, from well-being to severe mental disorders.
Code of Conduct and Penalties
- Tutors must hold a minimum graduation qualification.
- Misleading promises or guarantees to parents/students are prohibited.
- Penalties for violations include ₹25,000 for the first offense, ₹1 lakh for the second, and registration revocation for subsequent breaches.
Fee Structure and Refunds
- Fees must be “fair and reasonable” and cannot be increased during the course.
- Refunds, including hostel and mess fees, are applicable if a student leaves the course midway.
Safety and Infrastructure Requirements
- Coaching centers must obtain fire safety and building safety certificates.
- Adequate infrastructure includes fully electrified, well-ventilated classrooms with separate toilets.
- Classes should not interfere with students’ regular school hours.
Study Schedule and Assessments
- Coaching classes should not exceed 5 hours daily, with no early or late evening sessions.
- Weekly offs for students and tutors are mandatory, with no assessments on the day after the weekly off.
Career Guidance and Stress Reduction
- Coaching centers must provide information about various career options.
- Mock tests are encouraged to assess student capabilities realistically.
- Workshops on students’ mental health and counseling about the negative impacts of unnecessary pressure are recommended.
Complaint Mechanism
- A complaint mechanism exists for students, parents, or tutors/employees, with grievances to be redressed within 30 days.
Regulatory Background
- The Ministry emphasizes that states/UTs are best suited to regulate coaching centers through appropriate legal frameworks.
- Some states, including Bihar, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Manipur, already have regulations in place.
The Road to Guidelines
- Instances of unregulated coaching centers led to a PIL, sparking discussions on regulation.
- The National Education Policy 2020 advocated a shift towards formative assessments.
- Supreme Court deliberations culminated in the guidelines, addressing concerns raised by a PIL and a subsequent representation.
These guidelines mark a significant step towards balancing the coaching culture, ensuring the well-being of students, and addressing concerns that have plagued the coaching industry. The focus on mental health, safety, and reasonable fees reflects a commitment to providing quality education while minimizing undue stress on students. As coaching centers adapt to these guidelines, a more student-centric and balanced learning environment may emerge across the nation.
“In this new era for coaching centers, these guidelines ring like a melody of positivity, harmonizing a brighter, stress-free future for students across the nation.”
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