The Karnataka Council of Preschools warned that current regulations could impact 4.5 lakh women's livelihoods and increase education fees.
The Karnataka Council of Preschools (KCPS) on Wednesday requested the state government to revise the rules for standalone preschools. According to reports by Hindustan Times, the council warned that existing regulations could lead to the closure of more than 25,000 centres across Karnataka.
The council stated that administrative directives issued in 2019 have created difficulties for small, neighbourhood-based centres. Major challenges include a 30-year registered lease requirement for rented residential premises, a minimum area of 2,000 sq ft, land-conversion rules, and specific classroom dimensions of 18 ft by 20 ft.
The KCPS claimed these conditions are better suited for large institutions rather than small early childhood care and education (ECCE) centres. The group also alleged that the preschool registration portal is not accessible to the general public and can only be used through Block Education Officers (BEOs).
The council warned that shutting down these centres could cost around 4.5 lakh women, including teachers and support staff, their livelihoods. It further claimed that a lack of competition could cause fees to rise up to fivefold, affecting middle-class families and working mothers.
The KCPS has asked the Education minister to form a high-level committee to create a separate regulatory framework for standalone preschools. The group is seeking an immediate stay on current building and lease requirements until new rules are established.
