Gujarat Education Reform Bill: Schools Closing Without Approval Could Face ₹20 Lakh Fine

The Gujarat government is set to introduce the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Amendment Bill, proposing stricter penalties for school managements that shut down institutions without prior approval.

Under the proposed amendments, a school operator who closes an institution without government approval or without giving the Board at least six months’ prior notice could face a fine of up to ₹20 lakh. A jail term has also been proposed for such violations.

The new provisions will come into effect after the amendment bill is passed and implemented.

Unregistered Schools Could Face ₹15 Lakh Fine, Jail

The proposed legislation also increases the penalty for running a school without registration with the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board.

School managements found operating an unregistered school could face a fine ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh and imprisonment of one to two years.

Under the existing provision, the fine ranges from ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh, with no provision for imprisonment.

Illegal Appointment of Teachers Could Attract ₹10 Lakh Fine

The bill also proposes increasing the penalty for school managements that appoint principals or teachers in violation of prescribed rules.

The proposed fine has been increased to ₹10 lakh, compared with the earlier penalty of ₹10,000.

Six-Month Notice Required Before Closing School

Under the existing rules, school managements are required to inform the Board at least six months before shutting down a school and obtain the necessary approval.

The proposed amendment increases the penalty for closing a school without giving the required notice to up to ₹20 lakh, compared with the existing penalty of just ₹1,000. The bill also proposes imprisonment for closing a school without prior approval.

Protection Proposed for Teachers and Staff

The amendment bill also includes provisions aimed at protecting teachers and employees. Under the proposed changes, school managements would not be permitted to suspend a teacher or principal without reasonable grounds.

The Board would have to take a decision on such a matter within 45 days.

Grant-in-Aid Schools to Be Classified as Government-Aided

The bill also proposes changes in the classification of grant-in-aid schools.

Under the 1972 legislation, grant-in-aid schools were treated as private schools. The proposed amendment seeks to classify them as government-aided schools instead.