Maharashtra: Coaching Classes Challenge Government Regulations, State-Level Meeting in Nashik on January 28

Nashik, 23rd January 2024: In response to recent coaching class regulations implemented by the Central Government, the Coaching Classes Teachers Federation and Social Forum of Maharashtra, led by Founder President Bandopant Bhuyar, are organizing a state-level meeting in Nashik on January 28. The purpose of the meeting is to determine the course of action for a protest against the regulations, particularly the stipulation that children below the age of 16 should not be enrolled in coaching classes.

The central government’s coaching class manual has stirred controversy by asserting that children under 16 years old should not receive education in coaching classes. Bandopant Bhuyar argues that this rule lacks justice, contending that coaching classes are not only hazardous for drivers but also pose academic risks for students. The impending protest aims to challenge this regulation, highlighting concerns about the potential adverse impact on both students’ academic progress and the financial viability of coaching class operators.

With an increasing number of suicides and fire incidents associated with coaching classes, the central government introduced regulations to address the safety and educational aspects of such institutions. However, Bhuyar emphasizes that 70 per cent of children under 16 years old across the country attend coaching classes. The closure of these classes, as mandated by the regulation, could result in significant academic losses for students and financial strain for coaching class operators.

While Bhuyar acknowledges the need for government regulations, he insists that denying admission to children under 16 would lead to substantial educational losses. He argues that this age is crucial for building a strong educational foundation and expresses concerns about students’ academic weaknesses, especially considering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bhuyar contends that the government’s expectation for youth to become self-employed is contradicted by regulations threatening the existence of self-employment ventures like coaching classes. The movement seeks to advocate for amendments to the regulations, addressing the concerns raised by coaching class operators and parents who view coaching classes as crucial supplements to school education.

To strategize and decide the direction of the movement, a meeting of coaching class drivers is scheduled to take place in Nashik.