6 days ago

Maharashtra Proposes Registration, Fee and Counselling Rules for Coaching Centres

The Maharashtra government wants new rules for private coaching centres.

Centres with more than 25 students would need to register with the government.

They would have to clearly explain their fees, courses, teachers and refund policies.

They could not promise guaranteed marks or ranks.

Classes could last no more than five hours a day, with at least one weekly day off.

Centres would also need safe buildings, clean toilets, first aid and emergency arrangements.

Students would receive access to counselling and information about the pressure of difficult examinations.

The government is asking people to suggest changes before deciding the final rules.

Key facts

Registration: Each coaching-centre branch would require separate registration, valid for three years.
Scope: The draft defines a coaching centre as an establishment coaching more than 25 students.
Fee rules: Declared course fees would have to include materials and internal examinations, with no additional charges or increases during the course.
Refunds: Students leaving after paying the full fee would be entitled to a pro-rata refund for the remaining period within 10 days.
Class limits: Classes could not exceed five hours per day, and students and tutors would receive at least one weekly day off.
Safety standards: Centres would need fire and building safety compliance, first aid, emergency contacts, ventilation, drinking water, CCTV and accessible toilets.
Penalties: Minor violations could draw fines of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, while major violations could attract Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.

freepressjournal.in · 6 days ago