CBSE tightens inspection norms

Aparna Banerji

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, June 16

Increasing stringency in the process of inspection of schools seeking affiliation under the Central Board of School Education, the board has sought uploading of videos of schools on Youtube.

Previously, privately sent, these five-minute videos are now uploaded by inspection teams the very day inspections are being carried out.

Amidst scathing criticism for poor pay scales, exorbitant fees and anomalies by private schools, the move is a part of a slew of measures introduced by the CBSE to increase transparency and to curb corruption.

From this year onwards, inspection teams shall also have to seek a no objection certificate from the district education officer, clearing pay scales and land documents of the schools.

The CBSE shall also be conducting periodical checks on all schools — previously only schools seeking affiliation were checked.

While the videography of schools seeking affiliation was being done for the past many years, the uploading of these videos directly on YouTube started last year.

There are 1,365 CBSE affiliated schools in the state. Of these, Ludhiana (154), Patiala (114) and Jalandhar (103) have most schools.

With a majority of affiliations being sought in these districts, teams are on a checking spree, which shall continue till June.

Directions to the teams in the CBSE state, “In order to bring more transparency in the process of affiliation, it has been decided that the process of inspection will be videographed. The inspection report shall be filled online and videography of the school should be uploaded on Youtube with URL to be copied and pasted in the online inspection report.” The Tribune has a copy of the order.

A principal on an inspection team said, “I have inspected schools in 2017 as well. But this year the stringency in inspection introduced by the CBSE is unprecedented. Earlier, we were sending video CDs of inspections, along with reports, to the CBSE privately.”

“Now, pay scales and land papers are being verified by us and counter verified by DEO. The video is being posted on the same day on Youtube, so it leaves no leeway for schools to get away with any foul play. The inspection isn’t complete without District Education Officer’s certificate,” the principal added.

Shyam Kapoor, assistant secretary, CBSE, said, “Videography has been going on for many years but we are taking all measures to ensure better compliance.”

Officials at the CBSE office in Delhi said the thrust was on making the procedure more user-friendly this year.

State Education Minister Vijay Inder Singla said, “While the inspections of schools is an independent matter of the CBSE, the State Education Department is providing NOCs to schools. These NOCs are being provided after due checks in a foolproof manner. As far as the anomalies in pay scales are concerned, we can’t intervene in cases of arrangements between schools and staff but any complaint formally made will be duly dealt with.”

Measures to curb corruption

• Amidst scathing criticism for poor pay scales, exorbitant fees and anomalies by private schools, the move is a part of a slew of measures introduced by the CBSE to increase transparency and to curb corruption.