Maharashtra Plans Stringent Control Over Private Kindergartens for Equality

April 2, 2024, 11:19 a.m.

In a groundbreaking move aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Maharashtra's State Education Department is gearing up for substantial changes in pre-primary education. With a vision for equality in this crucial educational phase, the department has crafted draft regulations addressing private kindergartens' recognition, minimum facilities, and curriculum standards, signalling a transformative shift.

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Education Commissioner Suraj Mandhare emphasized the need for government intervention, citing concerns about inadequate education standards and arbitrary charges in many private KG schools. The drafted regulations, submitted to the state government for approval, prioritize the accreditation process, curriculum development, and ensuring minimum facilities in these institutions. Mandhare revealed that a bill to regulate private kindergartens will be presented in the upcoming budget session, underlining the state government's commitment to assuming control over these institutions in the next academic year. The proposed regulations, designed after extensive consultation with experts, aim to address existing challenges, including the lack of control over fees in private kindergartens.

Mandhare reiterated the focus on bringing equality to the diverse learning processes in kindergartens. Amid these developments, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has diligently considered approximately 1,200 objections and suggestions received on the State Curriculum for the Foundation Level. With this comprehensive approach, Maharashtra strives to reshape pre-primary education, ensuring a standardized and equitable learning environment for young learners.