Daijiworld Media Network - Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar, Mar 16: The Government of Gujarat has decided to drop its proposal to introduce the Gujarat Coaching Institute (Management) Bill in the ongoing budget session of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and instead frame a policy to regulate private coaching centres across the state, officials said.

The earlier plan aimed to bring coaching institutes under a legal framework following concerns over student suicides, fire incidents, lack of infrastructure and alleged malpractices in the sector. However, the government has now opted to implement a policy that will introduce similar regulatory measures.

Mukesh Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary in the Education Department, confirmed that the Bill has been dropped and a committee is currently working on drafting rules and regulations for the new policy.

Officials said the policy will be based on the Guidelines for Registration and Regulation of Coaching Center 2024 issued by the Ministry of Education Government of India through the Department of Higher Education. These guidelines, backed by directions from the Supreme Court of India, aim to ensure uniform standards for coaching centres across the country with a focus on student safety, mental health and transparency.

The proposed policy is expected to cover several aspects, including misleading advertisements by coaching institutes, qualifications of tutors, minimum space per student, fire safety compliance and transparent fee structures with refund provisions.

Authorities are also considering rules that would prohibit coaching centres from conducting classes during regular school hours to ensure students maintain proper attendance in schools. Teachers employed in government institutions may also be barred from teaching in private coaching centres.

In addition, the policy may mandate counselling and grievance redressal mechanisms to support students’ mental well-being. Plans are also being discussed to provide psychological counselling and career guidance to reduce stress among students enrolled in coaching institutes.

Infrastructure standards such as adequate ventilation, safe drinking water, minimum space per student, CCTV surveillance and strict adherence to fire safety norms are also likely to be included in the guidelines.

Officials said penalties, including cancellation of registration, may be imposed on coaching centres that fail to comply with the new regulations.