Call for Regulation of Private Coaching Institutes in India
Concerns Over Student Welfare
Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar has urged the government to regulate private coaching institutes. These centres prepare students for exams like UPSC, NEET, and JEE. He highlighted the increasing number of student suicides and the urgent need for reforms.
Rise of Private Coaching Institutes
Speaking at a press conference, Kumar blamed the weak public education system for the rise of private coaching centres. He stated that students and families are caught between poor government institutions and profit-driven coaching centres.
“There are frequent reports of coaching centres closing down after collecting huge fees. This shows a serious problem in the system. The government must take responsibility,” Kumar said. He compared the pressure on students to a ‘pressure cooker’ environment, where dreams are sold rather than supported.
Alarming Suicide Rates
Kumar shared shocking statistics. Around two students commit suicide every hour, totalling 28 suicides daily. He compared this crisis to farmer suicides, blaming systemic failures.
Issues in Competitive Exams
Kumar criticised the lack of transparency in recruitment. He pointed out that while job opportunities remain limited, coaching institutes continue to expand. “These institutes have turned into businesses. They profit from students’ dreams but provide no real opportunities,” he said.
Allegations of Misleading Claims
Kumar also alleged a link between the government and coaching institutes. He accused them of creating unfair competition. Some centres mislead students with exaggerated success stories, like high salary packages offered to a few individuals.
Urgent Need for Reform
Kumar called for improvements in public education. He urged the government to fill vacant positions with transparency. “Without strong public institutions, private coaching centres will continue to grow unchecked,” he warned.
With coaching institutes shaping students’ futures, regulating them has become a crucial issue in India’s education sector.
