Ahmedabad: Gujarat Self-Financed School Management Association has opposed regulatory provisions in Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (Amendment) Bill, 2026, saying they would curtail the autonomy of private schools.The association which represents around 17,000 private schools, said the bill would increase official intervention in the functioning of self-financed institutions. It warned that school operators would consider agitation if their concerns are not addressed.The bill gives the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) powers over the academic functioning of registered private secondary and higher secondary schools. It also allows the board to regulate the work of principals and teachers and issue directions to school managements.The association has also objected to repeated demands for information, data and reports from education officials, including district education officers (DEOs). It said school managements were being required to spend increasing time compiling information instead of focusing on academic work.The bill proposes regulation of qualifications, conduct, discipline and service conditions for principals, teachers, special educators and non-teaching staff in registered private schools.
Gujarat private school body object to education bill
The association said it accepts standards necessary to maintain educational quality. It opposes govt control over the internal administration of self-financed institutions that do not receive govt aid, grants or financial assistance.The body has also raised concerns over the proposed suspension procedure for employees. Managements would have to inform the board’s authorised officer when suspending an employee facing a pending or proposed inquiry. The process includes a decision within 45 days.The association said the additional procedure could affect managements’ ability to take internal administrative decisions.It also said private school management representatives were not adequately consulted while preparing the bill. The association called for discussions with key stakeholders before regulatory changes are introduced.It urged the govt to reconsider the provisions and take an early decision.The association said private school operators would wear black bands as a mark of protest in the coming days. It also said they were prepared to take further agitation if required.
