Aiming to find better mechanisms of regulating private schools in the new system of UT Ladakh, Konchok Stanzin, EC Education convened a meeting with all the heads of the private school on November 23.

Officers of the education department, Leh headed by Tashi Dolma, Joint Director School Education UT Ladakh were also present to discuss the issues and problems related to the regulation of private schools. 

Konchok Stanzin informed that Hill Council, Leh is working on drafting an education policy for Ladakh ensuring inclusivity and participatory for all.   

Discussion on agendas like fee structure in private schools, school bus regulations/fees, uniform issues, academic qualification of teachers, provision of free education to weaker section under 25% reservation and admission criteria, issues of stationary books, diet charges, charge of fee during vacations, teachers training, Bhoti textbook was carried out. 

It was decided that no private school will enhance school fees for the next academic session. Schools were directed to submit their fees hike proposal to the Chief Education Office, Leh with justification for further examination. If any private school has hiked the new session fee they were directed to return the increased fee immediately. Regarding the issue of school uniform, a clear cut instruction was given to inform the parents a year in advance about it.

Also, an expert committee will be formed to implement uniforms and textbooks in all the government and private schools. A common teacher’s training will be given for all government/private teachers by the Education Department in the future. 

Private schools were also directed to ensure basic requirements like bus conductors, insurance of the bus and first aid box in school buses and not to charge bus fees during the winter vacation.

Tashi Dolma said that every school must adhere to the verdict of the Supreme Court of India under the right to education act that only B.Ed /D. Ed teachers are eligible for the post of teacher.   

Strict directions were given to private schools to stop selling stationery and uniforms within school premises, follow school building norms with proper toilet facilities for boys and girls, clean drinking water facilities, teacher’s welfare and enroll children with special needs if they are willing to take admission.

It was conveyed to all the school heads that no school can deny a child with special needs in their schools as per norms.