BJP MLA seeks statewide crackdown on unscrupulous coaching classes

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: BJP MLA Rajesh Pawar from Nanded district has written a letter to CM Devendra Fadnavis, urging a statewide crackdown on coaching institutes allegedly violating rules and safety norms. He said unchecked commercialisation of coaching classes was placing immense financial and psychological pressure on students and their parents.In the letter dated May 25, the MLA said despite the Union education ministry issuing the “Guidelines for Regulation of Coaching Centres” on Jan 16, 2024, many institutes continued to operate without proper compliance or oversight in the state.Calling for strict action against institutions found violating norms, including those charging excessive fees or making misleading claims, Pawar said, “District-level monitoring committees should be formed to ensure coaching centres’ continuous regulation and oversight. Education cannot be allowed to become a commercial exploitation racket at the cost of students’ futures, mental health and public safety.”He recommended shutting down illegal or unsafe centres and taking action against false advertising, while seeking greater transparency and discipline in the sector.Highlighting infrastructure and safety concerns, the MLA said many coaching classes functioned without adequate parking facilities, leading to traffic congestion in the urban areas. He said some institutes admitted students beyond permitted capacities, increasing risks during emergencies like fires. “Several centres also lacked essential amenities like fire safety systems, proper sanitation, access to drinking water, adequate ventilation and separate toilets for students,” he said.Pawar expressed concern over the growing “coaching culture,” saying it was negatively impacting formal education while increasing academic stress and mental pressure among students. “In view of these, state govt should conduct a joint inspection drive to assess registration status, fire and building safety compliance, parking arrangements, intake capacity and fee structures of coaching institutes,” he said.Pawar said he also wrote letters to Nanded district collector. “On Monday, I will personally make a representation in this regard to the CM and will also raise this issue in the upcoming assembly session,” he told TOI.