Education Views | Insightful Perspectives and Analysis - Edinbox

Will the Centre act on the regulation following Citizen Rights Foundation raising alarm over high school fees as a contravention of the Right to Education and Equality?

The Department of Higher Education of the Union Ministry of Education, on Friday, instructed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to "examine and submit" a comprehensive report on the proposed Central Education Fee Regulatory Authority (CEFRA)—a statutory body to regulate standard school and higher education fees in India.

The order is issued in the wake of Bengaluru-based Citizen Rights Foundation (CRF), in its memorandum (dated May 9, 2025), urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate legislative and executive action on an urgent basis to curb the commercialisation of education and regulate school and higher education fees in the country.

The Foundation emphasized how the increasing gap between government schools and high-end private schools had increased social inequality, and the poor and middle-class households were being burdened and also pushed into debt in order to provide education for their children.

Declaring that the inability to regulate fees and prevent the commercialization of education was an immediate violation of the constitutional guarantee of equality and social justice, the CRF called for uniform legislation to control the fees, the government to provide affordable and equitable access to education to all citizens and close the corrupt practices in educational institutions through rigorous legislation and effective regulatory enforcement.

Quoting the 'Mohini Jain v. State of Karnataka', (1992) 3 SCC 666, the Foundation reminded that the Supreme Court had categorically held that education was not a commodity and commercialization would have to be checked. Still, in the absence of a binding and enforceable regulatory framework, these constitutional obligations are largely going unfulfilled, it lamented.

Placing the emphasis on the Constitutional mandate, the CRF declared that the arbitrary charging of exorbitant fees breached the Right to Education that requires states to make free and compulsory education a provision for all children of six years of age to fourteen years. Article 14 ensures equality before the law. But the existing disparity in fees in educational institutions violates both, it averred.

The Supreme Court judgments in the 'T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka (2002)' and 'Modern Dental College v. State of Madhya Pradesh (2016)' have asserted the necessity of regulation of fees in order to avoid the commodification of education. The judiciary sees fee regulation as legitimate as well as necessary. Although institutions are given autonomy, profiteering is not allowed, opined CRF, voicing alarm at the absence of a single fee regulator for education that has let the "donation culture" run rampant in private institutions.

In its suggestions, CRF recommended that a central law like the Electricity Act, 2003 be passed to introduce a Central Education Fee Regulatory Authority with binding functions to regulate fees, check exploitation, and impose common fee structures throughout India. State Education Fee Committees should have binding power and penalising powers for violations (along the lines of Tamil Nadu Schools (Regulation of Collection of Fee) Act, 2009), and fee structures at similar levels of schooling (primary, secondary, higher secondary) should be uniform, with only objective justification for minor variations (such as for infrastructure costs) subject to regulatory approval. It urged the imposition of the Prohibition of Capitation Fee Act firmly with serious sanctions in the form of cancellation of affiliations, hefty fines, and criminal prosecution of offenders. Accepting that the majority of private schools are now controlled by or patronized by elected members and their associates and friends, the CRF demanded that those people connected with schools who are convicted of fee offenses be disqualified from public office or election, as is the disqualification under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

To address admission malpractices, all school-level admissions should be channelled through centralised government counselling and admission portals, similar to the NEET and KCET models for professional courses. This will eradicate discretion-based admissions and provide transparency, stated the CRF, which urged that an amendment to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 be made to provide detailed and enforceable provisions on fee regulation and anti-capitation measures instead of leaving the issue to the discretion of the state.

After the CRF's letter to the PM, the Cabinet Secretary had given an "urgent communication" (dated June 3, 2025) to the Department of Higher Education, which has now requested the UGC to give a complete framework for CEFRA.

In a nation where private schooling is synonymous with quality, a tiny school in coastal Karnataka has reminded us of the silent revolution in government classrooms. The Government Higher Primary School at Nallur, Karkala, has done something remarkable — not only as an education effort, but as a reinterpretation of community pride and trust.

Earlier this week, the school organized its first parent-teacher meeting of the year. But this was no ordinary PTM. Rather than concentrate exclusively on report cards and attendance registers, the school went out of the way to felicitate 70 parents — parents who had made a deliberate and selfless choice: to send their kids to a government school, away from the established allure of private schools.

Let that absorb for a moment. These are not donors or celebrities. These are everyday people, many from humble means, who opted for faith instead of fear — faith in the public school system, in caring teachers, and in a 100-year-old school celebrating its service.

The felicitation function was symbolic, emotional, and one to remember. Parents sat in a row, humble and overwhelmed, as students showered them with petals. There was no luxury gift or media hype. Just thanks — sincere and genuine. Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, BEO Girijamma, and some of the dignitaries, including panchayat and SDMC members, were there to witness the moment.

Headmaster Nagesh put it succinctly when he declared, "Government schools are the cradle of the Constitution." He is correct. These schools are not merely about learning — they are about access, equity, and dignity. While marketing-oriented private schools take center stage today, the people of Nallur are setting the example for the nation, demonstrating to the nation that excellence need not cost money.

This level of trust is not developed in one night. It is the result of years of effort, engagement with the community, and the school's commitment to taking it beyond books. Indeed, in a thrilling initiative, the school is organizing a flight experience for Class 7 students — an initiative that not only opens up eyes but also says to children: You can dream big, and we'll get you there.

Why is this important? Because we exist in an era when public schools are dismissed, when enrolments fall and classrooms close. But here in Nallur, a soft counter-narrative is unfolding — one where public education is not merely clinging to life but flourishing.

The Nallur School story is not simply about a felicitation; it's one of faith, of belonging, and of the future of education in India. It's about a school that had the courage to say thank you to its most valuable stakeholders — parents. And in doing so, it's helped initiate a conversation we need to have: What do we want our education system to be, and whom do we want to build it?

This is not only good news — it's a blueprint.

Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday stated the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)'s decision to conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year from 2026 would de-stress students from the pressure of exams while adding that the Indian school education system is capable enough all over the country to carry out board exams twice a year.

"India has more than 60 school boards, and there has never been a question mark over their capability. The structure of the exams itself is not imposing pressure on the education system. The move to hold board exams twice in a year is not to water down the process, but to decrease stress among students," Pradhan said in an education conclave hosted by a prominent news channel.

Pradhan explained that the National Testing Agency (NTA) is already holding the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) twice annually, enabling students to select the best score.

Based on this concept, we are now bringing the same concept for Class 10 board examination. From next time, students will be given an option to give the board exam twice a year and keep their best mark. This step is suggested by experts and it is set to give flexibility and ease the pressure of exams. Our education system in schools is capable enough to implement this change nationwide," he further said.

CBSE, in the draft policy issued in February, suggested holding Class 10 board exams twice a year from an academic year beginning from 2026. The draft, drawn up as per National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 suggestions, was issued on February 25, and March 9 was set as the deadline to submit feedback.

As per the draft policy, CBSE board exam 2026 for 26,60,000 Class 10 students in 84 subjects would be conducted in two phases in 34 days – 18 days during the first phase from February 17 to March 6 and 16 days in the second phase from May 5 to May 20.

Education minister Madan Dilawar Monday charged a govt school teacher from Banswara with trying to bribe him to take a spot on the state-level curriculum review committee.

Dilawar informed the journalists during a press conference that the teacher, Chandrakant Vaishnav, went to his official residence in Jaipur during a public hearing. He had presented him with a box of sweets, an envelope, his biodata, and a letter requesting to be included in the committee. The minister informed that he accepted the envelope thinking it was a recommendation letter.

"My photographer Bharat then told me that there was cash in it. When I opened it, it contained Rs 5,000 in cash. I was going to head to Ramgarh Dam, but I directed my staff to make him sit there and alerted the police," Dilawar added.

Vaishnav is deployed at Govt Upper Primary School, Budha, in Ghatol block of Banswara district. Officials stated that the accused was suspended on the spot and disciplinary action was initiated by the education department. He was also taken into custody by police and the case was transferred to ACB.

Officials further stated that Vaishnav, a Grade-3 teacher, was not even eligible for the curriculum review committee, which is restricted to Grade-1 teachers.

Conveying his astonishment, Dilawar stated, "I've been in politics for 35-36 years, but never faced such a situation."

At the center of the Indo-Pacific, there is an unobtrusive yet potent transformation in progress — and it is taking place beneath the waves and on ship decks sporting the Indian tricolour. The Indian Navy, long regarded as a regional navy with narrow reach, is now remaking contemporary warfare with a combination of indigenous technology, strategic imagination, and plain maritime muscle.

Why India's Navy is making Waves Around The World

India has been dependent on overseas defence imports for decades to satisfy its naval requirements. But that tale is changing — and quickly. The commissioning of INS Vikrant, India's first indigenously constructed aircraft carrier, was not simply a ship commissioning; it was a statement of purpose. Constructed with over 75% indigenous content, Vikrant is a symbol of rising Indian defence confidence and engineering capacity.

The Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B) and Kolkata-class destroyers are yet more evidence that India's naval design is racing to meet the likes of global behemoths. From Indian shipyards, designed and built by Indian hands, these destroyers are packed with cutting-edge technology: stealth capabilities, multi-mission radar systems, and the deadly BrahMos cruise missile — jointly developed with Russia but now produced mainly in India.

Submarines That Speak in Silence

Under the waves of the ocean, India is constructing a submarine force that can rival any enemy. The Scorpene-class subs, under Project-75, are adding speed, stealth, and sophisticated sonar. But what has gained world attention is India's nuclear-powered armada: the INS Arihant and INS Arighat SSBNs, marking India's integration into the strategic nuclear triad. Future plans under Project 77 are to construct more powerful, domestically-designed nuclear subs.

The Project 75(I) planned for the future will introduce six modern diesel-electric submarines with AIP technology that will enable them to remain submerged longer — a decisive advantage in underwater combat.

Modern Warfare Isn't Just About Missiles

India's naval revolution extends beyond the ships and subs. The Navy is spending big on electronic warfare, cyber defence, and AI-based surveillance systems to remain at the forefront in an age where wars are waged with data and code as much as with torpedoes and missiles.

In TROPEX 2025, a theatre-level exercise, the Navy showcased these integrated capabilities — real-time coordination between domains, cyber preparedness, and electronic deception — all tried out in near-battlefield simulations.

Why It Matters: Strategic Edge Over Pakistan

In comparison to India's indigenous, technology-driven push, Pakistan's naval capability is struggling with stagnation. With aging vessels, not enough homegrown expertise, and reliance on Chinese imports, Pakistan's naval alternatives are limited. This disequilibrium is no accident — it's the outcome of decades of concentrated investment by India in strategic autonomy and technology-driven warfare.

India's Defence Future: Local Brains, Global Reach

As India moves towards Atmanirbhar Bharat, its Navy is leading the way for all other forces. Indigenous shipbuilding, next-generation submarines, intelligent warfare systems, and an independent industry base — all come together to make India a force to reckon with in the maritime space.

The Indian Ocean is no longer merely a sea route for commerce — it's an arena of influence. And India, through its Navy, is becoming the master of those seas quietly but inexorably.

The Chhattisgarh government's move to rationalise more than 10,000 government schools has evoked protests, anxiety, and deepening feelings of alienation among teachers from across the state. Teachers, who are part of the Chhattisgarh Sarva Shiksha Sajha Manch, have called for a state-wide protest from June 10, terming the decision "inconsistent" and "pro-privatisation". They have also declared that they will boycott the state-organised Shala Praveshotsav (school admission fair) on June 16, believing that the rationalisation campaign could prove to be more disastrous for the future of public education—particularly in the tribal and rural belts.

The BJP government led by Vishnu Deo Sai announced last month the rationalization of 10,463 schools with the aim to "balance" the pupil-teacher ratio between institutions. Under the plan, 10,297 schools running on the same campus will be reorganized or merged. In addition to that, 133 rural schools within a radius of one kilometre and 33 urban schools within 500 metres of each other will be merged as well.

On the face of it, the decision seems reasonable—most of the government schools do have either surplus or deficits of teaching staff. Chief Minister Sai justified the move, saying, "We are taking this step to eliminate the imbalance… It is in the best interest of students." He guaranteed that recruitment would not be hampered and that the goal was better management of resources.

But on the ground, education activists and teachers disagree. For them, this "streamlining" is a danger to wiping out schools from far-flung, marginalised areas—areas where education has a hard enough time taking hold. "This process encourages privatisation and dilutes government schooling, particularly in backward regions," said forum representative Virendra Dubey. He further mentioned that the teachers' forum is also seeking legal recourse to challenge the state's move.

Let's be transparent—this is not merely a logistical challenge. This is about access. In tribal and hilly parts of Chhattisgarh, even a 1 km or 2 km distance between schools can become a daily impediment for children, especially girls, to pursue their education. Schools are not mere buildings of bricks; they are safe places, known environments where children learn, grow, and sometimes get their only decent meal of the day.

Combing schools might save administrative expenses, but it might curb enrolment and raise dropout rates, particularly in districts where children trek to school barefoot through woods and farms. The apprehension is plain: if schools become mobile, students will not show up, and private entrants will swoop in. In the long term, this will manifest a dangerous drift towards privatisation, whereby only those who can pay will receive quality education.

This is why terms such as Chhattisgarh school rationalisation, rural education India, school merger protests 2025, and public vs private schooling are pivotal in today's education debate. Because this isn't merely a state issue—it's a nationwide warning sign.

Reform needs to arrive with empathy and grassroots consultation. Education is not an issue for a spreadsheet; it's a people issue. And the people—the teachers—are currently saying, "Listen to us."