Rajasthan coaching centres may face control, Government likely to enact a law for regulation
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Jaipur: The Rajasthan government is gearing up to enact a law establishing a regulatory authority to keep an eye on private educational institutes like coaching centres.
The Rajasthan Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Bill - 2022 has been in the works since 2020.
New rules are aimed at ensuring the presence of counselling cells and ending the glorification of toppers. It is not uncommon for students to suffer from severe mental health issues due to the pressure put by coaching centres. Recently, three students died by suicide due to the trauma caused by the unhealthy system.
The draft law suggests that students take aptitude tests before joining coaching centres. A helpline will also be made available to help them deal with stress. It also seeks to regulate tuition fees, annual fee hikes, the cost of study material, and other charges levied by private institutions. Repeat offenders may get penalties up to Rs 5 crores. First-time violations will be fined Rs 1 crore.
"In order to ensure mental as well as the physical well-being of the students in educational institutions, the Authority shall frame regulations for regular counselling, recreation, and safety of the students. It will mandate the establishment of a counselling and mentoring cell in every institute," says the draft bill.
The new law will have provisions to ensure the safety of girl students, differently abled students, teachers, and non-teaching staff.
