The measures come amid growing concern over rising costs in private schools and lack of regulatory oversight.
Maharashtra Plans Crackdown on Commercialisation in Education with New Regulatory Measures
In a major step to protect parents from rising educational expenses, the Maharashtra government is preparing a series of reforms aimed at curbing the commercialisation of school education. These include the regulation of private coaching classes, restrictions on arbitrary school fee hikes, and eliminating monopolies in school-related purchases.
School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse announced in the Assembly that a Private Coaching Regulation Act is in the works. The legislation seeks to monitor and control unauthorized tie-ups between junior colleges and private tuition centers. “A draft bill and associated rules are being prepared, and suggestions from MLAs will be taken into account,” Bhuse stated.
The minister also revealed plans to amend the Maharashtra Educational Institutions (Regulation of Fee) Act, 2011 in response to growing complaints from parents over unjustified and illegal fee increases. “No school will be allowed to charge fees beyond the approved structure. Any violation will invite strict action,” he said. “Education is a social responsibility, not a commercial venture.”
Further addressing concerns about school supply monopolies, Bhuse assured that guidelines will be issued to ensure schools do not compel parents to purchase uniforms, books, or stationery from pre-selected vendors. “Parents should have the freedom to buy materials from any shop of their choice. Coercion of any kind will not be tolerated,” he emphasized.
These regulatory moves follow increasing public dissatisfaction over the unchecked costs associated with private schooling and a perceived lack of oversight in the current system.
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