Kolkata: The managements of several private schools in the city felt the need for a platform, where they could exchange dialogues with the govt and address concerns, ostensibly given the recent state interventions and inspections.The issue was raised at the second annual general meeting of the West Bengal Association of Private Affiliated Schools (WBAPAS) on Wednesday, attended by the representatives of around 50 schools. The association, which has around 100 schools as members, seeks to facilitate meaningful talks, address common concerns and create opportunities that contribute to the academic and professional growth of the institutes, teachers and students. “We are scared every time we visit the district inspector of schools (DI) office. Though our institute was able to meet all the govt requirements, as asked in a recent notice, and we were granted the no-objection certificate (NOC) to function, we need to raise our issues jointly as no one will stand beside us unless we help one another,” said the head of one of the schools.The principal of another private school mentioned that they were flooded with notifications from the DI office, making it almost difficult to manage. “We are affiliated to a central board, and tracking every notice from the DI office is becoming extremely challenging. We are given numerous compliance tasks within short deadlines. While we are ready to comply with all govt instructions, they should not feel like threats,” the principal said.The organisation’s board of directors recently met education minister Dipak Barman and submitted a representation, highlighting key operational challenges. Joint vice-president of the organisation Ranjan Mitter, who is also the principal of The Future Foundation School, also stressed the need for collective dialogues, representation, and constructive engagement. “This is a platform where school managements as well as heads can find meaningful solutions, tailored to their requirements. We have various associate members to help with academic, administrative and legal issues,” he said.Mousumi Saha, principal of National English School and secretary of the association, said forms would be circulated among members, who can voice their concerns and receive appropriate guidance.
