UP Board seeks to widen eligibility, ease land norms for unaided schools

Prayagraj: The UP Board has proposed significant amendments to the recognition rules for unaided schools, aiming to simplify the approval process and introduce greater flexibility in land and ownership requirements.

The proposal has been sent to state govt by board secretary Bhagwati Singh for consideration.According to the proposed amendments, the minimum land requirement for new institutions would remain unchanged at 3,000 sqm in urban areas and 6,000 sqm in rural areas. However, schools that received recognition before Dec 26, 2022, would continue to be governed by the earlier norms. For recognition of additional classes or new subjects at the intermediate level, institutions would be required to provide extra classrooms and laboratory facilities.The proposal also seeks to widen the range of entities eligible to run schools. In addition to school management committees, trusts and companies, statutory bodies, autonomous organisations, public sector undertakings and local bodies would also be allowed to establish and operate educational institutions.Another major reform relates to land ownership norms. Schools operating on land leased through a registered lease deed of at least 30 years would also become eligible for recognition.

To make the recognition process more convenient, the board has proposed keeping the online application portal open throughout the year. At present, applications can be submitted only up to May 31. The proposal also recommends abolishing the Rs 20,000 late fee charged for delayed applications.Further relief has been proposed regarding treasury challans. Educational institutions would be allowed to use treasury receipts from previous financial years instead of being restricted to challans issued during the current financial year.Officials said the proposed amendments are based on directions issued during a meeting chaired by the additional chief secretary on April 13. The changes are expected to revive pending upgradation proposals of schools recognised under older land norms and improve ease of doing business in the education sector.