Haryana has made a growth statement about itself as an educationally and athletically vibrant state. The competition within the area needs no introduction area has been illumined with brilliant medical, engineering, and defense services and UPSC-qualifying candidates. Nonetheless, where talent flourishes, problems regarding the unchecked practices of private schools are surfacing.
Wake-up Call: Tragedy Calls for Action
A tragedy struck Haryana last year when a bus operating illegally to transport students to a private school was brought down by an accident. The driver, allegedly intoxicated, ran over innocent students who were badly injured and killed.
What made this all the more wicked? On that date, which had been declared a legislative holiday, the school had still opened! So the hearts of the people were bruised, and something needed to be done.
From that point onwards, there have been instructions issued by the government of Haryana forbidding any private school from conducting classes on a public holiday. Secondly, it posed a much more pertinent question- why do we have to wait for tragedies to act?
Government Tough Stand: Six Definitive Orders
The Haryana government now has a six-point advisory designed to restore order and prevent exploitation falling on these private schools. These orders would relieve parents and children from unnecessary burdens. Here is what is going to change:
1. The School Will Not Force You to Buy Any Unreasonably Expensive Books
Exclusive schools obligate parents to purchase extremely pricey books from exclusively handpicked publishers in clandestine agreements. Now that will come to an end. The instruction is for such schools to opt for NCERT/CBSE-approved books that can be procured from the local shop at fair prices.
2. Getting the Uniform Changed Every Year Is Out
Some schools change their uniforms every year so that the partnering vendors can profit from the process. The whole practice is now being branded as unethical. As per the new rules, uniforms should remain unchanged for the sake of parents and their convenience.
3. Freedom to Buy Books from Wherever You Want
Parents were told to buy books from a specific shop, thus limiting their options and enhancing costs. From now on, schools cannot tie-in with single vendors. Old books can be reused or bought from any shop of their choice.
4. Clean Water Is Mandatory
The schools will have to provide drinking water within the premises, without a demand on the students to carry their water bottles every single day. The rule intends to ensure enough basic facilities and comfort for students.
5. Shut Those Heavy School Bags Off
Heavy school bags are giving serious concern, especially for very small students. The department now insists on weight limits for bags, which must be age-appropriate. Very small children must not be allowed to carry more than 1.5 kg.
6. Open Complaint System for Parents
In case a school ignores these regulations, parents can lodge their complaints directly from now on. All the district education officers (DEOs) shall give numbers for help and their e-mail IDs for public use. The officers will also be doing their random checks in the schools.
Involve Schools for Education only, Not for Profit.
The fact about it speaks so loudly against commercialism in education. The schools ought to be provided for the healthy development of children, not for the unhealthy pressure on the shoulders of parents. It has made something more like education a luxury in the present scenario since it has high fees in big cities. Many families from
the middle class are now finding things hard to manage.
One More Step Needed: Fix Fees Structure
Apart from this, the parents expect more. The standardization of fee structure for private institutions is the next big thing. If the government lays down the specific limits, keeping in mind the facilities, one can very soon say adieu to profiteering.
Steps Towards a Brighter Future
Under the auspicious leadership of CM Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana government has indeed proven to listen up, act, and care for every person living in this society. These rules have proven not only to be regular policies but also a very strong message: “student welfare first”.
