In a move aimed at improving education quality across the state, the Uttarakhand government is preparing to establish a State School Standards Authority. The Education Department has already submitted a detailed proposal to the state government after studying similar bodies functioning under CBSE, and in states like Assam and Punjab.
As per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, every state is advised to form an independent authority to ensure compliance with minimum professional and quality standards in all schools — government and private. This authority will define benchmarks for infrastructure, safety, teacher-student ratio, and subject-wise faculty requirements.
Structure and Composition of the Authority
According to the proposal, the authority will be headed by a renowned educationist, retired senior official, or judge with notable contributions in education. Members will include the Director General of School Education, Director SCERT, Director NIC, CBSE Regional Director, private school principals, education inspectors, and representatives of NGOs working in the education sector.
Scope: Over 21,800 Schools to be Covered
The authority will set standards for approximately 16,501 government and 5,396 private schools. This comes amid ongoing complaints against private schools regarding arbitrary fee hikes and lack of basic facilities.
Fee Transparency and Subject Disclosures
Schools will be mandated to publicly declare their fee structure and subjects offered. Private schools will also be required to provide fair salaries to teachers and staff based on the authority’s guidelines.
Quasi-Judicial Powers and Enforcement
The authority will function as a quasi-judicial commission. It will not only set criteria for school recognition but also investigate complaints and take disciplinary action, including cancellation of recognition for non-compliance.
