Rajasthan Introduces Bill to Regulate Coaching Centers Amid Rising Student Suicides
- ByAdmin --
- 12 May 2025 --
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In a significant move to address the alarming rise in student suicides and the unchecked proliferation of private coaching centers, the Rajasthan government has introduced the Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Bill, 2025. This legislative intervention aims to streamline the operation of coaching institutes, ensure accountability, and prioritize students' mental and emotional well-being.
The state of Rajasthan, particularly cities like Kota, has long been recognized as a hub for competitive exam coaching. However, increasing academic pressure, lack of counseling support, and exploitative practices have led to disturbing mental health outcomes among students, culminating in tragic instances of suicide. Recognizing the urgency, the government has now proposed a structured legal framework.
Key Features of the Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Bill, 2025
1. Mandatory Registration:
All coaching centers operating in Rajasthan will be required to obtain registration under the new Act. Operating without registration will attract heavy penalties, including closure orders.
2. Infrastructure Requirements:
Institutes must comply with minimum standards of infrastructure, including spacious classrooms, safe buildings, sanitation facilities, and fire safety norms.
3. Fee Regulation:
The Bill empowers the government to regulate and fix the fee structure to prevent arbitrary and exploitative pricing by coaching centers.
4. Mental Health Support:
Mandatory appointment of certified counselors in coaching centers to monitor and assist students' mental health. Regular psychological assessments and counseling sessions will be required.
5. Advertisement Restrictions:
Coaching centers must refrain from making misleading advertisements or false claims about success rates to attract students.
6. Grievance Redressal Mechanism:
Institutions must establish an internal grievance redressal system where students can lodge complaints regarding harassment, discrimination, or undue academic pressure.
Constitutional and Legal Backing
This bill stands on strong constitutional and legal foundations:
- Article 21 of the Constitution of India — Right to Life includes the right to live with dignity, which extends to the right to mental well-being.
- Article 41 — Directive Principles mandate the State to secure the right to education and assistance in cases of sickness and disablement.
- The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 — Recognizes the right to access mental healthcare services and obligates public authorities to promote mental well-being.
- The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 — Misleading advertisements are punishable under this Act, relevant for coaching centers that make false claims.
- The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act) — While primarily for elementary education, it lays down basic norms for educational institutions which can serve as a reference for coaching centers.
Why Was Such a Bill Necessary?
The rapid commercialization of education in India has led to a situation where coaching centers prioritize profit over pedagogy. The Kota coaching industry alone is worth thousands of crores annually. However, behind the success stories lie numerous cases of burnout, depression, and tragically, suicides.
- Over 20 student suicides were reported in Kota alone in 2024.
- Students face long study hours, unrealistic expectations, and intense parental pressure.
- Coaching centers often lack proper grievance mechanisms or psychological support for struggling students.
Thus, unregulated coaching culture combined with academic toxicity made legal intervention inevitable.
Implementation Mechanism under the Bill
The government plans to establish a Regulatory Authority for Coaching Centres comprising:
- Education Department Officials
- Mental Health Professionals
- Legal Experts
- Representatives from Students' Unions
This body will oversee registration, monitor compliance, investigate grievances, and enforce penalties for violations.
Challenges in Implementation
While the Bill is commendable, its success will depend on:
- Effective Enforcement: Regular inspections, surprise audits, and strict penalties must be implemented.
- Awareness Among Parents and Students: Students and guardians must be informed of their rights and protections under the law.
- Preventing Corruption: Transparent registration processes must be ensured to avoid under-the-table operations by coaching centers.
- Addressing Root Causes: Legal action must be supplemented with larger educational reforms to reduce dependency on private coaching.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Bill, 2025 represents a progressive step towards protecting students' lives, ensuring quality education, and promoting mental health. It sets a benchmark for other Indian states grappling with similar issues. By aligning with constitutional rights under Article 21 and contemporary needs highlighted by the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, Rajasthan's move could mark the beginning of a healthier academic environment for India's youth.
However, the onus lies equally on the government, institutions, parents, and society at large to create a more supportive and less toxic education ecosystem where coaching is seen as a tool — not a life-or-death battle.
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