JOIN US According to sources in the Ministry of Human Resource Development, the bill seeking to check malpractices in schools is being formulated on the lines of the prohibition of unfair practices in technical education institutions, medical educational institutions and university bill 2010.
The move has been initiated by the ministry in view of the reports about many schools, especially those run by private bodies, indulging in unfair practices in the admission process and other activities.
The bill, which would seek to bring a complete transparency in the admission process, may also stipulate provisions for imposing penalties for offences committed. The formulation of the bill would require collaboration with states, sources said. A draft proposal to formulate the bill has been prepared by the ministry and it will be taken up for further discussion at a meeting of Central Advisory Board of Education very soon.
“Ministry wants to bring a law to check malpractices in schools. Although details have not yet been finalised, it (bill to check malpractices in schools) will be formulated on the lines of prohibition of unfair practices in higher education bill,” sources in the ministry said.
The prohibition of unfair practices in higher education bill, formulated in 2010, is pending for passage in Parliament. In its current form, the proposed bill seeks to curb specific malpractice in technical education institutions, such as charging of capitation fee, and ensure receipt for every transaction made between the student and the institution.
It also stipulates that the higher educational institutions furnish authentic details on the quality of education provided and the infrastructure available with them so that the students can make an informed choice.
For its effective implementation, the proposed bill seeks to impose severe penalties, including fine and imprisonment, on those institutions which fail to adhere to the provisions of the law.
The bill has been examined by a parliament standing committee, which is now in the process of holding consultations with all the stakeholders in the higher education sector.