Karnataka: Private schools seek independent State School Standards Authority

Speaking at a symposium organised in Bengaluru by the Karnataka Private School Managements, teaching and non-teaching staff coordination committee he called for the implementation of a model State Education Act to simplify and consolidate state regulations while also bring government and private schools accountable by the same standards and rules. 

 

SSSA, he said would allow a democratic approach to be adhered to while formulating policies pertaining education. 

 

This is also among the key recommendations by Karnataka Private School Managements, teaching and non-teaching staff coordination committee. The rationale they said, “the department of education formulates policies, regulates schools and operates its own schools. This goes against the fundamental principle of separation of power. The NEP 2020 proposes separating these three roles of the government and constituting an independent school regulator at the state level.” 

 

They have also called for a shift of focus from merely providing inputs to learning based outcomes. 

 

Meanwhile, speaking about challenges faced at the time of renewal of recognition, MLC Puttanna claimed that private schools were given step motherly treatment. “The state needs IAS officers who are not corrupt and work sincerely. We need an education minister who is capable of holding such an important portfolio while catering to the needs of people” he said. 

 

Seeking parity of regulations for private and government schools, he said, “renewal is no easy process. Just to get a certificate from the PWD, schools shell out Rs 2.5 lakh. NOC from the fire department costs Rs 5 lakh. When these rules apply for private schools at the time of renewal, why not government schools?”