In Protest, Private Schools In Madhya Pradesh To Remain Shut On Jan 30

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Private schools across Madhya Pradesh will observe a one-day shutdown on Thursday as a symbolic protest against the state government's new recognition and renewal rules.

The Private Schools Association has taken strong exception to the recently introduced regulations, including mandatory fixed deposits (FD) for recognition fees and registered lease agreements for school premises. 

Association’s state president Ajeet Singh told Free Press that these rules pose a serious threat to the existence of over 18,000 private schools in the state. He argued that applying these regulations to already established schools, some of which have been operating from more than 15-20 years, is unjust and could lead to their closure.

As a result, more than three lakh school staff, including teachers, could face unemployment, he stated.  The association has demanded that the new rules be implemented only for newly established schools, while existing institutions should be allowed to continue under previous regulations.

Singh also claimed that these policies contradict the Right to Education (RTE) Act and likened them to British-era laws that could have severe consequences for private educational institutions.