Regulate coaching centres to check suicides, govt tells states

Concerned over the increase in the number of student suicides in the country, the HRD ministry has written to the states, asking them to regulate private coaching institutions.

Officials said the issue of regulating these institutes was raised in Parliament and the report submitted by Ashok Misra committee — set up by the HRD ministry in 2015 — had given a number of suggestions including setting up a regulatory body.

In the letter to all the chief secretaries of states, the ministry has pointed out that most of these institutes are not regulated, charge exorbitant fees and place undue stress on students at the cost of extra-curricular activities.

The ministry has asked the state governments to issue regulations and impose strict penalties on the errant institutes.

“Considering that regulation of Class 12 -level education is the responsibility of the state, it is felt that these institutes are best regulated by the state governments,” reads the letter.

It further states that to address the issue of suicides, the Justice Roopanwal Commission of Enquiry has suggested 12 measures for implementation in the institutes, which can be kept in mind while framing the policy by the state governments. The ministry has also asked the states to submit an action taken report.

Some of the measures suggested for the institutes include evolving a mechanism where students can appeal in case there is any excess by the institute, setting up counselling centres consisting of professionally trained counsellors, establishing a local guardian system for outstation students as far as possible, effective administration and supervision of hostels.

It has also asked them to put in place a grievance redressal committee and a strong induction programme for better acclimatisation.

“Regulation is a welcome step if it is to protect the interest of the students and institutes but before drafting any regulation all stakeholders should be consulted,” said Pramod Maheshhwari, director of Career Point .

Regulation is a welcome step if it is to protect the interest of the students and institutes but before drafting any regulation all stakeholders should be consulted.