Mumbai: A state-level body representing coaching-class operators has objected to several provisions in Maharashtra’s proposed regulations for private coaching institutes, calling them “too stringent” and seeking major relaxations in registration, infrastructure, teacher qualifications, fee refunds and penalties.The State Consortium of Coaching Teachers & Institutes (SCCTI) has submitted its objections to the draft regulations uploaded by the school education and sports department. The govt had invited suggestions and objections from stakeholders.State spokesperson Bandopant Bhuyar said coaching-class operators were willing to cooperate with the govt, but argued that a single set of norms could not be applied uniformly across Maharashtra.Among the consortium’s key demands is that coaching institutes be classified as small, medium and large, with registration made mandatory only for those enrolling more than 100 students. It has also sought one-time registration instead of renewal every three years.The body has opposed the proposed restriction on coaching for children below 13, saying parents should be allowed to decide whether their children need supplementary classes. It has also sought reduction of the prescribed classroom space from one square metre per student to 0.5 square metre.On teacher eligibility, Narendra Bambwani, former secretary of the association, said coaching is often driven by teaching skill and experience rather than formal qualifications and has therefore sought exemption from degree requirements for experienced faculty.The consortium has also objected to the proposed fee-refund provisions. It suggested that students leaving during the first term should receive a refund only for the second term, while no refund should be mandatory for those leaving during the second term. It further proposed that if students discontinue payment after admission, the govt should bear their fees for the remaining academic year.Several infrastructure norms have also been challenged. Manoj Jariwala, former secretary of the association, said the requirement to preserve records should be reduced from 10 years to three years, and parking should be allowed on suitable local-body land along roads.SCCTI has called the proposed penalties excessive and suggested a graded system beginning with a verbal warning, followed by fines of up to Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 for subsequent violations. It has also demanded advance notice before inspections by govt officials.Among its other suggestions are common school timings and examination schedules for Classes 5 to 10, representation of experienced coaching-class directors on the State Board of Studies, and voting rights in the Teachers’ Constituency for registered coaching-class operators. The organisation said it would launch a democratic statewide agitation and, if necessary, approach the courts if its objections were not considered.
