Govt cracks down on coaching centres; Mumbai reacts with mixed sentiments

Tutors with qualifications below graduation are not allowed to teach

The Union Ministry of Education unveiled guidelines for the regulation of coaching centres across the country on Thursday, eliciting a mixed response from stakeholders in Mumbai. The guidelines stipulate that coaching centres should admit only students aged 16 or those who have cleared Class X Board exams. Additionally, centres are prohibited from making misleading promises regarding ranks or marks in competitive exams.

The release of the guidelines comes on the backdrop of "instances of coaching centres charging exorbitant fees, undue stress on students resulting in students committing suicides, loss of lives due to fire and other accidents and many other malpractices being adopted by these centres that are widely reported in the media," mentioned the official press.

Owner of a well-known coaching class in Mahim, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, "These guidelines are poorly designed. Consider a case study involving a coaching centre with 100 students preparing for classes 9-12 in a small town, and reassess the guidelines in light of this scenario."

Suresh Kalpathi, executive director and chairman of Veranda Learning Solutions (right) Dr Maithili Tambe, CEO of The Academy School (TAS)

The owner of another coaching centre in Borivali and Dahisar acknowledged a few positive aspects such as fee regulation and addressing misleading results. However, he expressed that the regulation possesses a dictatorial and draconian nature, viewing it as an attempt to conceal the shortcomings of the government education system. Many welcomed the move

"I appreciate the guidelines. This will facilitate the monitoring of institute standards, ultimately benefiting the student community. Coaching institutes failing to uphold standards in infrastructure and other areas may face challenges, but overall, it is advantageous for students," said Malini Gaikwad, a secondary school teacher in Goregaon.

She further said, "The swift proliferation of coaching classes and integrated institutes gives the impression of business hubs, treating students like commodities. Having witnessed this closely both as a parent and a teacher, I believe it's better late than never, and the introduction of these guidelines is a welcome step."

Dr Maithili Tambe, CEO of The Academy School (TAS), said, "Students often grapple with immense pressure to excel academically, and coaching centres assert that they provide the additional advantage necessary for achieving top grades and securing a bright future. However, these centres often impose an excessive amount of study material on students, leaving little room for extracurricular activities, hobbies, and social interactions.

Students deserve the freedom to explore and enjoy their youth without being tethered to rigorous study schedules. Concerns have been raised regarding the mental health impact of coaching centres, as students may endure burnout, stress, and anxiety due to intense competition and performance pressure."

Suresh Kalpathi, executive director and chairman of Veranda Learning Solutions, overseeing J K Shah commerce classes, said, "We anticipate that the recent guidelines, specifying that coaching should be limited to students aged 16 and above, will have a positive impact on our business lines, particularly in our formal education segment, VerandaK12."

What guidelines say

Coaching centres are required to submit applications for registration within three months from the date of guideline implementation, adhering to specified provisions. The following conditions govern the registration process:

>> Tutors with qualifications below graduation are not allowed.
>> Enrolling students below 16 years of age or assuring rank or good marks to parents/students for enrolment is not permitted.
>> Making misleading promises or advertisements is prohibited.
>> Centres with less than the minimum space requirement per student are ineligible for registration.
>> Hiring the services of any tutor or person convicted of any offence involving moral turpitude is not allowed.
>> Registration is not granted unless the coaching centre has a counselling system in line with the guidelines.
>> Coaching centres must maintain an updated website containing details on tutors, fees, curriculum, etc. They are also obligated to adhere to relevant laws, including separate registration as applicable in the local jurisdiction.
The regulatory measures can be accessed on the official website of the Ministry of Education in India - education.gov.in

16
The cut-off age for admission in coaching centres as per new guidelines