Guwahati: A govt move that could derecognise nearly 200 private schools across Assam has sparked concern among students and guardians.The education department has issued notices to schools in 25 districts, with inadequate land and improper land documents emerging as key concerns. The exact deficiencies are yet to be officially detailed.Most affected schools have provisional recognition but lack final recognition for allegedly failing to meet prescribed criteria.“Inadequate land area on school campuses or lack of proper land documents where the schools are functioning are the major issues. In some cases, the concerned IS has not sent the inspection report to the directorate,” an education department official told TOI on Tuesday.Under state norms, lower primary and middle schools must have at least two bighas of land in one plot in rural areas and one bigha in municipal and town committee areas.High, higher secondary, senior secondary and composite schools must have at least three bighas in rural areas and one bigha in municipal and town committee areas. Multi-storey buildings must comply with the relevant govt by-laws.A recent letter to inspectors of schools in all 25 districts said the applications of around 200 non-govt schools were rejected by the Administrative Recognition Committee for allegedly failing to meet criteria under the Assam Non-Govt Educational Institutions (Regulation and Management) Act, 2006, as amended in 2018.In Dibrugarh, more than 20 schools could be affected. However, education authorities said there was no need for panic.Education minister Ranoj Pegu said the Act lays down requirements for schools run by private organisations, societies, trusts and other entities.He said schools apply online and their applications are scrutinised by the committee concerned, with the Directorate of Education and Assam State School Education Board also involved.“Schools are granted permission subject to certain conditions. Based on the permission granted, they are allowed to continue their activities,” Pegu added.“The schools are not immediately shut down if they do not meet the conditions. They are allowed to fulfil the required conditions,” Pegu said.
