Schools can apply only online for renewal and NOCs starting July 1: Minister Rajmohan

CHENNAI: Private schools seeking no-objection certificates for opening and renewal certificates for upgradation can only apply online starting July 1, school education minister Rajmohan announced on Tuesday.Stressing that the process would be hassle-free and prevent additional charges being levied for renewal, the minister said, "Several private school heads have flagged excess charges collection for renewal and NOC. When such practices are encouraged, the burden translates to parents and children. Henceforth, you (private schools) need not pay a penny extra to get NOC and renewal certificates." Until last year, private schools looking for NOCs and renewal certificates could apply online every three years through the Education Management Information System (EMIS) portal as well as offline by submitting certificates for building approval (submitted by the directorate of town and country planning), no-objection certificates from the fire department, building stability and license. The minister appealed to private schools not to charge exorbitant fee per child and called upon them to publicise their fee details. "Making your fee details transparent will only increase your enrolment and trust that parents have in you," he added.Private schools’ associations welcomed the move but said that the govt should go through with the process. "The department has made similar announcements in the past, but the process soon reverts to online and offline. The govt must stick to its decision," said M Arumugam, president, Federation of Private School Associations.