Gujarat Makes Reservation Mandatory in Aided Private School Recruitment
Gujarat has made reservation mandatory for staff recruitment in aided private schools and introduced tougher penalties for illegal appointments and unregistered institutions.
Gujarat has made its reservation policy mandatory for staff recruitment in aided private schools after the state Assembly passed an amendment to the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Act, 1972. The changes also introduce stricter penalties for violations and expand regulatory provisions for schools.
Under the amended provisions, illegal appointments of principals or teachers in grant-in-aid secondary and higher secondary schools can attract a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh, replacing the earlier Rs 1,000 penalty. Serious violations may result in imprisonment of one to two years, a fine between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 15 lakh, or both.
The amendment also provides for the recruitment of special educators to support students with disabilities and special educational needs. The state government will prescribe qualifications and recruitment procedures for staff in aided schools, while regulations will cover non-grant-in-aid institutions.
Schools will also be required to register with the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board before providing education. Operating an unregistered school could attract imprisonment of one to two years, a fine of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, or both.
The penalty for closing a registered secondary or higher secondary school during an academic year without the required notice has also been increased to Rs 20 lakh.
The legislation further changes representation rules for teachers, non-teaching staff and parent associations on the education board, with the government saying the measures aim to improve transparency, accountability and student welfare.
