Why Maharashtra Coaching Classes Are Opposing the Proposed Regulation Law
Pune, 8th September 2026: The Professional Teachers Association of Maharashtra (PTAM) has put on hold its proposed one-day shutdown of coaching classes across Maharashtra on September 11, saying a final decision on the protest will be taken after Ganeshotsav.
The association had earlier warned that coaching classes could observe a one-day shutdown if the Maharashtra Government continued to ignore its demand for consultation over the proposed Maharashtra Private Coaching Centres Registration and Regulation Act. PTAM has now decided to defer the proposed protest and will review the situation after the festival.
The decision was announced at a press conference held in Pune on Tuesday, where PTAM reiterated its demand that the State Government consult representatives of coaching classes and other stakeholders before finalising the proposed legislation.
PTAM President Dr Prashant Kulkarni said the association supports regulation of the coaching sector but is opposed to provisions it considers unreasonable or likely to create an excessive compliance burden and scope for arbitrary administrative action.
“We are not opposed to regulation; we are opposed to unreasonable, unequal and one-sided regulation,” Kulkarni said.
PTAM seeks changes to proposed coaching law
PTAM has demanded reconsideration of several provisions in the proposed legislation, particularly those relating to the registration threshold, restrictions on coaching for children below 13 years, fee refunds and inspection powers.
One of its key demands is that the proposed registration threshold of 25 students per coaching centre branch be increased to more than 100 students.
According to PTAM, a higher threshold would prevent home tutors and very small coaching centres from being brought under a regulatory framework intended for larger institutions.
The association has also opposed the proposed blanket restriction on coaching for children below 13 years. It said such a provision could affect remedial education, foundational learning and preparation for Olympiads and scholarship examinations.
Concerns over fee refunds and inspections
PTAM has demanded that proposed fee-refund provisions take into account costs already incurred by coaching institutions, including academic material, digital platforms, administration, taxes, teacher-related financial commitments and infrastructure.
The association has also opposed what it described as the possibility of an “Inspector Raj” and “Licence Raj” under the proposed law.
It has sought clearly defined inspection criteria, written reasons for administrative action, prior notice except in emergencies, an opportunity for institutions to present their case, graded penalties based on the seriousness of violations and a transparent appellate mechanism.
Proposal for self-regulatory council
As an alternative to extensive government intervention, PTAM has proposed the formation of a Coaching Classes Self-Regulatory Council comprising representatives of the Government and Education Department, coaching-class associations, legal experts, local self-government bodies, fire-safety authorities, digital-education specialists, mental-health professionals, parents and students.
PTAM proposed that, except in serious or urgent cases, the council should conduct preliminary scrutiny of complaints, hear the concerned coaching institution and, wherever possible, facilitate mediation or corrective measures before formal government proceedings are initiated.
PTAM cites Bombay High Court order
During the press conference, PTAM representatives also discussed Writ Petition No. 3447 of 2025, filed before the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Bench of the Bombay High Court in April 2025 by Vijayrao Pawar, Hanumantrao Bhosale and Prashant Kulkarni on behalf of the association.
PTAM said that while disposing of the petition, the High Court directed the Maharashtra Government to consult its representatives and hear the petitioners before enacting the proposed legislation. The association also said the court directed the government to communicate its reasons to the petitioners if it decided not to hear them.
The association said it is preparing a clause-by-clause document outlining its objections to the proposed legislation and recommended amendments. It is also preparing a white paper on the educational, social and economic contribution of the coaching sector.
PTAM claims to have more than 50,000 members across around 27 districts of Maharashtra.
PTAM Secretary Dr Nitin Kadam, former president Vijay Pawar, former secretary Hanumant Bhosale, Working President Prahlad Daund and Pune Core Committee Member Durgesh Mangeshkar were present at the press conference.
The association has urged the State Government to temporarily halt the process of finalising the draft, formally invite PTAM for consultations and consider its proposed amendments and model legislative draft.
PTAM said its objective is to ensure that the proposed Maharashtra coaching classes regulation law creates a balanced regulatory framework while protecting the interests of students, parents, teachers and coaching institutions.
