Nagpur: Following the nationwide controversy surrounding the NEET paper leak case, debate over the role of private coaching institutes and the need for stricter regulation has intensified once again. After the names of several major coaching networks surfaced during investigations, questions are being raised over when a proper law to regulate coaching institutes will finally be implemented.
The arrest of Shivraj Motegaonkar, operator of Latur-based RCC Coaching Institute, has created panic in the coaching sector. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the CBI conducted raids at the homes of two students residing in the Central Avenue and Itwari areas of Nagpur. Another search operation was also carried out in Chandrapur.
The involvement of coaching institutes in examination-related irregularities is not new. Earlier, question papers of three Class 12 State Board subjects were leaked, leading to the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Investigations had revealed that the paper leak originated from a coaching class. However, not all accused persons in that case have been arrested yet, with some suspects still reportedly absconding.
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During the tenure of former Maharashtra Education Minister Vinod Tawde, the process to introduce a law regulating private coaching institutes had begun, and even a draft framework was prepared. However, the law was never implemented. Later, the state education department also prepared another draft aimed at regulating coaching classes, but it is still awaiting approval.
Central Guidelines Have Had Little Impact
Last year, the central government issued guidelines for the operation of private coaching institutes. These guidelines addressed issues such as excessive academic pressure on students, misleading advertisements, high fees, and irregular educational practices.
Despite this, there has been little visible impact at the ground level, and concerns over the unchecked functioning of coaching institutes continue to grow.
Questions Raised Over Attendance Rules
According to State Board regulations, students of Classes 10 and 12 must maintain at least 75% attendance in schools or colleges to be eligible for examinations. Students failing to meet attendance requirements due to illness or other reasons are required to provide valid justification.
However, under “integrated” and “tie-up” models, many students are reportedly studying almost entirely at coaching institutes without attending junior colleges regularly. In several cases, coaching institutes allegedly partner with junior colleges where admissions are formally recorded, while actual teaching takes place only at coaching centers. Attendance in colleges is often marked merely as a formality.
Biometric Attendance Under Scanner
The government has made biometric attendance mandatory in schools and junior colleges. While some aided colleges strictly enforce attendance rules, many institutions reportedly fail to do so effectively.
This has raised concerns about how genuine attendance is being recorded when students spend most of their academic time at coaching institutes rather than in classrooms.
NEP Also Flags Coaching Culture
The National Education Policy (NEP) has also expressed concern over the growing coaching culture, calling it harmful to secondary education.
The policy states that board examinations will continue, but reforms will be introduced to reduce students’ dependence on private coaching institutes and promote a more balanced educational system.
