Children studying in private primary and upper primary schools will now have adequate space to play as the state government has fixed the size of playground for getting recognition for opening a new school.
As per the order dated September 26, detailed instruction have been given to director of basic education regarding change in rules pertaining to giving recognition to private schools. The letter has been issued by Special Secretary Yatindra Kumar in this regard.
Now for opening primary and upper primary schools in the urban limits, it is mandatory to have a playground of 500 sqm and 1,000 sqm, respectively. Whereas in rural areas, the Basic Education department will give approval for opening a school only if there is a playground of 1,000 sqm and 2,000 sqm respectively. Earlier, there was no strict rule about the size of playgrounds.
In the government order dated January 11, 2019, it was only written that there should be adequate playground in or around the school premises that can be used by students.
In the existing rule schools should have three classrooms of 270 sqft, one staffroom of 150-150 sqft and one headmaster’s room in primary and upper primary schools. Now, an additional room of 400 sqft has also been made mandatory for both types of schools so that educational activities can be conducted conveniently.
Apart from this, a science laboratory of 600 sqft has also been made mandatory. Earlier there was no provision for this.
Also there should be sufficient number of trees and plants in the school so that children can complete their learning activities in a natural environment.
The application fee for recognition of private schools for classes I to V and VI to VIII has been reduced.
Earlier, fees of Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000 had to be paid for primary and upper primary level respectively which has been reduced by Rs 5,000 in both the cases.