The Ministry of Education Issues guidelines for coaching centres due to a surge in student suicides, fire incidents, and concerns about teaching methodologies. These guidelines aim to establish a legal framework and control the unregulated growth of private coaching institutes. The main focus is on student age restrictions, tutor qualifications, advertising ethics, mental well-being, fee structures, and strict penalties for malpractices.
Ministry of Education Issues Guidelines Key Features:
These are a few guidelines that were recently proposed by the minister of education.
Age Restrictions and Tutor Qualifications:
- Coaching centres are prohibited from enrolling students below 16 years of age.
- Tutors must hold qualifications equivalent to or exceeding graduation.
Advertising Ethics:
- Misleading promises, guarantees of ranks or good marks are strictly prohibited.
- Coaching centres cannot engage in misleading advertisements regarding coaching quality or results.
Online Presence and Transparency:
- Coaching centres must maintain an updated website with details on tutor qualifications, courses, curriculum, duration, hostel facilities, and fees.
- Emphasizing transparency builds trust between coaching centres, students, and parents.
Mental Well-being Focus:
- Due to academic pressure, coaching centres should prioritize students’ mental well-being.
- Students in distress require immediate intervention mechanisms and counselling services.
- Tutors may undergo training in mental health issues to effectively communicate with students about areas of improvement.
Fair Fee Structure and Refund Policies:
- Tuition fees for courses must be fair and reasonable.
- Mandated refunds on a pro-rata basis for students leaving courses prematurely.
- The institution strictly prohibits any increase in fees during the course duration.
Penalties for Malpractices:
- Coaching centers charging exorbitant fees causing undue stress or engaging in malpractices may face penalties of up to ₹1 lakh or registration cancellation.
Registration and Monitoring:
- New and existing coaching centres must register within three months of the guidelines coming into effect.
- State governments will monitor coaching centres to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements and satisfactory activities.
The Ministry of Education’s guidelines represent a significant step towards creating a safer and more accountable environment within coaching centres. The government aims to enhance the overall learning experience for students. By addressing key issues such as age restrictions, tutor qualifications, mental well-being, and transparent fee structures. These regulations signal a commitment to prioritizing student welfare and ensuring that coaching centres play a positive role in shaping the academic journey of students across the nation.
