The Maharashtra government is set to put in place a regulatory framework for the fast-growing coaching tutoring industry in the state. It will define operational rules for training classes that include guidelines on registration, facility standards, fee structure, and misleading promises. It is expected to provide structure to the largely unorganized coaching industry in Maharashtra.
What potential regulations are expected in this context?
The set of rules is likely to propose mandatory registration of training classes based on specific parameters of infrastructure and other facilities provided. There will be clear standards on specific space requirements for running a training class, safety standards, etc., though there will not be any specific rule seeking to regulate fees in this sector. The new policy will include directives such as obtaining an information bulletin for each category, including details of fee structures, in order to achieve transparency.
One of the most important aspects of this framework is reducing misleading claims made by training classes in advertisements. “It is a very common sight to see the picture of a successful student in advertisements of multiple coaching classes, each claiming to be studying there. The regulatory framework will emphasize how to curb such false claims through coaching classes, which can mislead prospective students and their parents,” said a senior official from the School Education Department who is aware of the work being done in this regard.
Furthermore, the regulatory framework will define the category of training. “To put in place a regulatory framework, it must include crucial details on where it will be implemented. There are training institutes that are commercially run, whether they operate independently or in integration with junior colleges. Meanwhile, there are informal classes that are run from residential homes. We will have to decide what should be included within the regulatory framework,” the official said.
How is the government preparing this regulatory framework?
Apart from making use of the central government’s guidelines on regulation of coaching centres, the state school education department is examining existing laws in this regard, which have already been implemented in a few states in the country. “Last year, the central government had issued guidelines for regulating coaching classes. States like Goa, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka have laws to regulate coaching classes. The ministry is studying all these laws to better formulate a suitable policy for Maharashtra. The department is considering a framework approach on whether it should seek to control or enable a better regulated coaching industry in the state,” the official said, adding that the plan is to bring forward the draft policy, the law of which is likely to be enacted in the next winter session of the Assembly.
There was already a regulation in preparation in 2017-2018. Does the government plan to base policy on the same recommendations?
During the 2017-18 school year, a 12-member committee, including six government representatives, was tasked with preparing a set of rules. After holding several meetings under the leadership of the then Maharashtra School Education Commissioner, a draft was submitted to the state government in 2018. But it is still pending. However, the new regulatory framework will provide a fresh perspective that encompasses the changing education sector, including the training industry.
(Tags for translation) Coaching Class Regulation in Maharashtra
