Context: 

This editorial is based on the news “Coaching centres barred from enrolling students below 16 years” which was published in The Live Mint. The Ministry of Education has released new guidelines for coaching centers in the country. 

What are the new Coaching Institute Guidelines?

• Misleading Advertisement: Coaching institutes should not make any false promises to prospective students and avoid publishing any misleading advertisement. 
• Mandatory Registration: Coaching centers must apply for registration with the local competent authority, as set by the government. 

Why Coaching Institute Guidelines Needed?

• To Regulate Uncontrolled Growth of Coaching Centers: As the unregulated private coaching centers continue to grow in the absence of any policy or regulation. 
• To Curb Exploitative Practices: Some coaching centers often charge exorbitant fees from students, undue stress on students resulting in students committing suicides, loss of precious lives due to fire and other accidents, and other malpractices being adopted by these centres.

What are the Provisions in the Coaching Institute Guidelines?

• Enrollment: Only students above the age of 16 can be admitted, and admission is permitted only after the successful completion of secondary school examinations.
• Tutor Qualification: Tutors need to have at least graduated.
• Tuition fees:  For various courses should be reasonable and just, with detailed receipts provided.
• On Fee Change: Any fee increases during the course are strictly prohibited.
• Withdrawals: In case of mid-course withdrawals, a pro-rata refund is required within 10 days. 
• Complaint Mechanism: There should be a mechanism in place for filing complaints against coaching centers by students, parents, or tutors/employees of the coaching center. 
  • Additionally, coaching centers can file complaints against students or parents. 
• Attendance: The class schedules should not overlap with regular school hours.
• Off Time: Both students and tutors must have mandatory weekly offs. 
• Attention to each pupil: Class sizes should be maintained to ensure a healthy teacher-student ratio.
• Mental Health: Need to ensure the mental well-being of students by avoiding undue pressure. 
  • Coachings need to establish a mechanism to assist students in stressful situations.
• Space: Coachings should allocate a minimum of one square meter per student in each class. 
• Compliance with Fire Safety & Building Codes: Obtaining such Safety Certificates are mandatory. 
  • They should also be equipped with CCTVs, first aid kits and access to medical assistance.
• Penalty for Violations: In the event of a coaching center violating any terms or conditions of registration or general requirements, penalties will be imposed. 
• The first offense incurs a penalty of ₹25,000, the second offense warrants a penalty of ₹1 lakh, and repeated breaches may lead to the revocation of registration.