Activists, parents raise concerns over government's decision to allow private companies to open schools
A day after the state government passed a bill to allow private companies to open schools, activists and parents have raised concerns over the move that they feel would lead to the privatisation of education.
The Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday passed a bill to amend the Maharashtra Self-Financed Schools Act, 2012, which proposes to allow private companies to open schools, amid opposition.
Activists and parents groups across the state have opposed the move to privatise education. Ghanshyam Sonar, convenor, Saman Shikshan Mulbhut Adhikar Samiti said that the move would lead to a complete corporatisation of schools. "When private companies would be allowed to open schools, they would treat them like companies and try to reap profits out of it. At a time when the government is largely withdrawing from its investment into government schools, the move would make education accessible to only a select few."
Anubha Sahai, President of the India Wide Parents Association (IWPA) said that the move, without any regulation from the government's side, would lead to a further increase in school fees and educational expenses borne by parents. "Private companies will lure parents with their state-of-the-art infrastructure but parents would have to cough up a hefty amount for that. And to make things worse, this money would not even be invested into a cause like in the case of trusts but would be a part of the company's profit," she added.
State education minister Vinod Tawde had clarified that the move would not affect the quality of education and has been taken to ensure that education reaches all students, including those in remote areas. "It would ensure that more good schools come up in the state from which students would benefit," said Tawde in a press statement.
THE STORY SO FAR
- The Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday passed a bill to amend the Maharashtra Self-Financed Schools Act, 2012, which proposes to allow private companies to open schools, amid opposition.
- Activists and parents groups across the state have opposed the move.
- Those against the move believe it would make education accessible to a select few.
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