No more annual update of recognition for private primary schools

After the Right to Education Act was implemented on April 1, 2010, a new rule was put in force for private schools to apply for fresh recognition from the education department after every three years. This was to keep a check on schools following RTE norms from having good infrastructure, toilets, water, etc, including the implementation of 25% quota for underprivileged children.

However, the chairman, Vinod Shelar, BMC education committee, wants to scrap this rule in favor of private schools, claiming the procedure time-consuming and delays the recognition process of schools.

Many schools from ICSE, CBSE, IGCSE, IB, and the central boards, rushed to apply for fresh recognition last year. The schools were asked to submit details aligned to 10 basic parameters, like their infrastructure, whether they have separate toilets for boys and girls, a playground, clean drinking water for students and so on. The state also wants to know whether the schools are following the 25% quota for economically backward students, one of the salient features of the RTE.

Shelar feels that this rule should be scrapped, as schools feel it takes a lot of time to get recognition. The education committee of the BMC is planning to stop the system wherein private primary aided and unaided schools have to renew their recognition every three years. Shelar said, “It was troublesome for many schools to renew the recognition periodically. We are trying to make it more school-friendly. Sometimes, the process takes more than three-four years.”

Deputy director, school education, NB Chavan said, “The process does not take much time. The rule of recognition is to keep a check on schools, to see whether they follow RTE norms, which is for the benefit of students. If the BMC officials wish to scrap it, let them approach state government.”