163 out of 190 schools denied affiliation citing lack of open spaces & trained teachers

For the first time, School Education Department, Indore has denied 163 out of total 190 received renewal applications of affiliations for the academic session 2019-20. The move will ensure strict actions for schools affiliated to Madhya Pradesh Education Board and better quality education in affiliated schools.

The decision was taken by Manish Verma, Joint Director of the department. “We did not deny the renewal abruptly; the schools were inspected and checked for facilities required as per norms of M.P. Recognition of Secondary and Higher Secondary School Rules, 2017,” he said.

While many MP boards have been criticised for lacking basic facilities and requisite areas, this denial is a step towards stern action and compulsory compliance to the norms. Along with norms for area and facilities, the norms quote “Every school shall appoint a part time counsellor to perform duties, of a Counsellor.”

“Schools need to beware of non-compliance with the norms and impart quality education to the students in a healthy atmosphere, since the action will continue next year, if more schools are found non-complaint with the norms,” Verma said. He quoted that maximum schools, which were denied affiliation, lacked trained teachers and good staff.

“Teachers have to meet government’s criteria for teaching in affiliated schools, which is minimum bachelors in education (BEd) and post graduation in requisite subject for teaching senior classes,” Verma said. Most schools failed to have the required teachers and hence, suffered disaffiliation.

“As per norms, a high school (till class 10^th) must have minimum 4,000 square feet area that is either owned by school or registered rented, further 2,000 square feet out of the total area must be open area and made into sports grounds,” Verma said. However, most schools even though had requisite total area; they had constructed classrooms on the entire area, leaving no space for grounds.

“In case of high secondary schools (till class 12^th), the requirements are increased, where again, we found most schools in non-compliance,” Verma said. MP board affiliated schools are required to provide requisite equipments in science labs, books in library, provide safe drinking water, toiletries and other basic facilities.

“The school shall have facilities, for at least two sports like Badminton/Table Tennis/Kabaddi/Kho-Kho/Volleyball/ Basketball, etc. in school campus, but it seems that most schools have ignored the needs for sports and left no open space for children,” Verma said. Further, he quoted the importance of sports for child development.