This is an archive article published on October 13, 2016
800 Gujarat schools penalised for exceeding student intake limit for classes X, XII
GSHSEB had sent notices to as many as 812 self financed, government and grant-in-aid schools and slapped a total fine of Rs 1.36 crore.
Written by Ritu Sharma
Ahmedabad | Updated: October 13, 2016 12:54 PM IST
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The Gujarat education department has penalised around 800 self-financed schools across the state for exceeding the limit on intake of students in classes X and XII. The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) had sent notices to as many as 812 self financed, government and grant-in-aid schools and slapped a total fine of Rs 1.36 crore. Later, however, it exempted government and grant-in-aid schools (around 40 schools).
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“This is the first time that such an action has been taken against self-financed schools for admitting students beyond the maximum permissible limit of 66 (per section). It came to the notice of the board that some schools have even admitted more than 500 students in one class,” said GSHSEB chairman A J Shah.
Most number of erring schools were from Rajkot, Surat and Banaskantha districts.
The irregularity was noticed when the board decided to verify the number of applications received for classes X and XII registration against the number of classes granted. For instance, a school had sent nearly 600 application forms to the board for registration, while it had permission to conduct only one class.
A school can admit 60 students to one section of class X or XII and the limit can be extended by 10 per cent (increased to 66) after permission from the district education officer’s (DEO). A school also needs permission from the board to create a section.
After verification, 812 schools were identified and notices issued to them. A committee was also formed under board’s deputy chairman R R Thakkar to look into the case.
While, a few have started to deposit the penalty, several are yet to respond. If the school fails to deposit the penalty despite reminders, in extreme cases, the board has the authority to cancel the affiliation.
“Additional class is allowed where the number of students are enough to form a new class or section, and permission for regular class is given where students are to be promoted after Class IX or XI. Saving the registration fee of Rs 12,000-15,000 for each class, these schools defaulted on the maximum intake of students,” said GSHSEB secretary R I Patel.
Admitting students without board’s permission, these schools also failed to adhere to infrastructure, faculty and basic requirements despite charging “exorbitant fees” from students, said a board official.
Ritu Sharma is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express' Gujarat bureau, an editorial position that reflects her experience and Authority in regional journalism. With over a decade of concentrated reporting experience, she is a highly Trustworthy and specialized journalist, especially noted for her Expertise in the education sector across Gujarat and previously Chandigarh.
Expertise
Primary Authority (Education): With over ten years of dedicated reporting on education in both Gujarat and Chandigarh, Ritu Sharma is a foremost authority on educational policy, institutional governance, and ground realities from "KG to PG." Her coverage includes:
Higher Education: In-depth scrutiny of top institutions like IIM-Ahmedabad (controversies over demolition/restoration of heritage architecture), IIT-Bombay (caste discrimination issues), and new initiatives like international branch campuses in GIFT City.
Schooling & Policy: Detailed coverage of government schemes (Gyan Sadhana School Voucher Scheme), the implementation and impact of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, teacher recruitment issues, and the impact of national policies like the NEP.
Student Welfare: Reporting on critical issues such as suicide allegations due to caste discrimination, and the challenges faced by students (e.g., non-delivery of NAMO tablets). ... Read More
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