In a bid to prioritize student safety and well-being, the Central government has introduced fresh guidelines for coaching centres. The new rules state that only students aged 16 and above or those who have successfully cleared their Class X Board exams can enroll in coaching centres. False claims regarding ranks or marks in competitive exams are strictly prohibited.

Issued by the Ministry of Education, the guidelines mandate coaching centres to register with the government, and existing centres must re-register within three months of the guidelines taking effect. The hiring of tutors with a record of moral turpitude-related convictions is strictly forbidden. Furthermore, each branch of a coaching institute will be treated as a separate entity.

These rules come in response to a rising number of student suicides and concerns about coaching methods. To ensure compliance, the government proposes penalties of up to Rs 1 lakh or registration cancellation for centres involved in malpractices contributing to student stress and suicides.

States and union territories bear the responsibility of implementing these guidelines as education up to Class 12 falls under their jurisdiction. The guidelines stress that enrolling junior students for coaching instead of attending school is illegal. Failure to adhere to the age cap for enrollment will result in denial of registration.

Additional guidelines specify that coaching centres must only hire tutors with a minimum qualification of graduation. Students below 16 or those yet to complete secondary school are not allowed enrollment. False claims about results are also prohibited.

Coaching centres are required to establish a counseling system and provide information about available psychologists and counselors. Trained counselors may be appointed for student support. Furthermore, coaching centres must maintain a website with updated information on tutor qualifications, courses, curriculum, duration of completion, hostel facilities, and fees.

In addressing concerns about unregulated coaching centres, the government aims to curb issues like student stress, suicides, and accidents with these new regulations. The emphasis is on ensuring the safety and well-being of students attending coaching centres.

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