Explainer: Karnal private schools running without permission a major challenge

With the new academic session having begun on April 1, the spotlight has once again shifted to unrecognised schools that are operating across the state without obtaining mandatory permission or recognition from the Education Department. These schools, running in hundreds across the state, have failed to update their data on the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) portal. In Karnal district alone, the Education Department has flagged 107 private schools for operating without permission. Such schools are posing a major challenge for the authorities. The department is issuing notices to these schools as well as displaying public notices on their premises to discourage parents from enrolling their wards in them.

What are the criteria for opening a new private school in urban and rural areas?

The Education Department has fixed certain criteria for availing recognition for a private school. For opening a new private school, there should be 1,500 sq metres of land in urban areas and 2,500 sq metres in rural areas for a primary school. Similarly, for opening a new middle school, the requirement is 2,000 sq metres in urban areas and 3,000 sq metres in rural areas; 2,500 sq metres for a high school in urban areas and 4,000 sq metres in rural areas. For a Senior Secondary School (Arts), the requirement is 3,000 sq metres in urban areas and 5,000 sq metres in rural areas. For commerce and science streams, there is a requirement of 3,500 sq metres in urban areas and 5,500 sq metres in rural areas. In addition, the schools must possess a building safety certificate issued by a registered architect or the PWD (B&R), a NOC of fire safety from the Fire and Emergency Department and a health and hygiene certificate from the Civil Surgeon office

 What are the conditions for recognition of already existing schools, especially those running before 2004?

The schools that were operating prior to 2004 are also required to fulfil certain criteria. A primary school requires 250 sq metres of land in urban areas and 350 sq metres in rural areas. For a middle school, there is a requirement of 500 sq metres of land in urban areas and 600 sq metres in rural areas. For a high school in urban areas, 1,200 sq metres of land is required and 1,500 sq metres in rural areas. Similarly, for a Senior Secondary school, the requirement is 1,800 sq metres in urban areas and 2,250 sq metres in rural areas. For science and commerce schools, 2,000 sq metres of land is needed in urban areas and 2,500 sq metres in rural areas. A private school can be recognised only if it fulfills the required land norms as well as possesses the necessary certificates. Details are available on the school education Haryana website.

Who is authorised to grant recognition to a private school?

A private school must apply to the School Education Department for recognition. The department reviews the application and conducts an on-site inspection of the school premises. Once the school is granted permission, it can then apply for recognition from the Haryana Board/ Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE).

Why do parents still enroll their children in unrecognized schools?

A majority of such schools are located in rural areas and densely populated urban colonies. These schools often operate from narrow lanes or congested residential areas, helping them avoid inspections by the authorities. They may attract parents by offering low-cost education and fee discounts, particularly targeting nearby families. However, these schools typically bypass key infrastructure and safety regulations, posing a risk to students’ academic and physical well-being. The teachers deployed in these schools are also low paid.

 What should parents check while seeking admission of their wards in any school?

Before enrolling their wards in a private school, the parents must check recognition and other certificates related to school safety, health and hygiene. They should also check with the District Education Officer’s office as well as the Block Education Officer’s office.

How many private schools are operating in Karnal district?

There are around 500 private schools functioning across Karnal district. However, 107 schools had not uploaded their information on the UDISE portal. The department served notices to these schools, initially giving one week time for response, which has now been extended to Wednesday. Six schools have claimed they do have recognition.

Haryana Tribune