Govt mulls law to regulate private coaching institutes

Pradeep Sharma

Chandigarh, January 25

The state government is set to enact a law to regulate the functioning of private coaching institutes.

Key provisions

• Haryana Coaching Institutes (Control and Regulation) Bill is set to be tabled in the Budget session
• Tuition fee charged by coaching institutes to be under scanner
• False claims on number of students selected in a particular exam to be checked
• Rs 25K penalty for first offence; institute’s registration to be cancelled after two offences

The draft “Haryana Coaching Institutes (Control and Regulation) Bill, 2024”, which has been put in the public domain for 15 days for comments and feedback by the public and stakeholders, is likely to be brought in the Assembly in the forthcoming Budget session.

“The Bill provides for the control of private coaching institutes by registering and regulating them, including monitoring the cost of the study material and other charges. It will take care of the interests of students and their guardians to reduce stress among the students and provide better academic support in preparation for various competitive examinations,” the Bill said.

Under the legislation, every coaching institute will have to be registered with the District Authority to be constituted under the DC concerned. Besides physical infrastructure, the coaching institutes will also have to meet other requirements.

With a view to check exorbitant tuition fee being charged by private institutes, it has been made mandatory for them to issue a prospectus mentioning curriculum, its duration and the tuition fee to be charged.

“The District Authority will take steps to check malpractices of bogus advertising and false claims about the number of students selected in a particular examination and the names of faculty members,” the Bill said.

A grievance redressal cell will also be constituted at the district and block level for prompt and effective resolution of the grievances of students and their parents.

The District Authority will have the power of the civil court under the Civil Procedure Code, 1908. It will also have the power to conduct inspections.

In case of violation of any provisions of the Act, the coaching institute will be liable to pay a penalty of Rs 25,000 for the first offence. “In case of proof of allegations against the coaching institute even after the second offence, its registration shall be cancelled,” the Bill said.

However, the aggrieved coaching institute, students or parents can appeal to the appellate authority to be constituted under the Director, Higher Education, within 30 days. The decision of the appellate authority will be final.