Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Bill

The Rajasthan government introduced the Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Bill to address student suicides and regulate coaching institutes.

Objectives of the Bill

• Mandate registration for all coaching centres.
• Control the commercialization of coaching institutes to ensure they operate within a student-friendly framework.
• Create a supportive environment for aspirants aiming for competitive exams like NEET, IIT-JEE, IIM entrance tests, and CLAT.

Provisions and Penalties

• Penalties: 
  • First violation: Rs 2 lakh.
  • Second violation: Rs 5 lakh.
  • Subsequent violations: Registration cancellation.
• Mandatory registration for new and existing centres within three months of the Act.
• Eligibility for registration includes: 
  • Tutors must have at least a graduation degree.
  • No misleading promises or rank guarantees.
  • Minimum area of one square meter per student.
  • No employment of persons convicted of moral turpitude.

Regulatory Authority

• Establishment of Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Authority at state and district levels.
• State-level authority chaired by the higher education secretary; district level by district collector.
• Representation from education departments, police, psychiatrists, coaching centres, and parents.

Infrastructure and Transparency

• Coaching centres must have: 
  • Sufficient infrastructure and adhere to fire safety codes.
  • First aid, medical assistance, and well-ventilated buildings.
  • Websites detailing tutor qualifications, course details, fees, and success rates.
• Complaint boxes and exit/refund policies must be in place.

Mental Health and Student Well-being

• Mechanisms for immediate intervention for students in distress.
• Classes should not exceed five hours a day, and weekly offs are mandatory.
• Provisions for remedial classes and a timetable that allows student relaxation.
• Fee refund policy on a pro-rata basis for students leaving midway.
• Fee cannot be increased during an ongoing course.