Rajasthan Tables Bill to Regulate Coaching Centres and Curb Student Suicides

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Express Network, Page – 13)

Topic: GS2 – Polity

Context

The Rajasthan government introduced the Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Bill to curb student suicides and regulate the functioning of coaching centres.

Analysis of the news:

Objective and Purpose

• The Bill aims to address the increasing commercialization of coaching institutes and create a supportive environment for students preparing for competitive exams like NEET, IIT-JEE, and CLAT.

• By setting operational guidelines and penalties, the government seeks to reduce student stress and improve overall well-being.

Need for Regulation

• Over the past two decades, Rajasthan has seen an unchecked rise in coaching centres.

• Many of these institutes operate without regulation, making misleading promises of guaranteed success.

• This creates a high-pressure environment, leading to disillusionment and mental distress among students. In extreme cases, this stress has resulted in student suicides.

• The Bill aims to protect students’ interests, provide psychological support, and establish a structured framework for coaching centres.

Key Provisions of the Bill

1. Mandatory Registration: All coaching centres must register within three months of the Bill’s enactment.

2. Qualification of Tutors: Tutors must have at least a graduate degree and a clean legal record.

3. Operational Standards:

   • Minimum one square meter per student.

   • Fire safety, first aid, and medical facilities required.

   • Website with details on tutors, courses, fees, and success rates.

4. Student Well-Being:

   • Weekly off and reasonable class hours (max 5 hours/day).

   • Timely completion of courses and remedial classes.

   • Mechanism for mental health support and stress management.

5. Fee Regulation:

   • Pro-rata refund of fees if a student leaves midway.

   • No fee increase during an ongoing course.

Penalties and Enforcement

• First Violation: ₹2 lakh fine.

• Second Violation: ₹5 lakh fine.

• Subsequent Violations: Cancellation of registration.

The Bill establishes a State and District-level Authority with civil court powers to monitor and enforce compliance. The state’s higher education secretary and district collectors will lead the authorities, supported by police, psychiatrists, coaching centre representatives, and parents.

Challenges and Omissions

• The Bill dropped the 16-year age limit for enrollment, which was initially included in line with the Ministry of Education’s guidelines.

• Ensuring uniform implementation and monitoring across districts could be a challenge.

• Coaching centres may resist transparency measures and fee regulations.

Conclusion

• The Bill is a comprehensive attempt to regulate the coaching industry, protect students’ mental health, and promote a balanced learning environment.

• Its success will depend on strict enforcement and cooperation from coaching centres.

Practice Question: The Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Bill aims to address the increasing commercialization of coaching institutes and safeguard student well-being. Discuss the need for such regulation, key provisions of the Bill, and the potential challenges in its implementation. (250 Words /15 marks)