Tamil Nadu Play School Regulation

High Court Direction To Regulate Play Schools

While taking up a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Mr. K.Balasubramanian, a practicing advocate, sought direction to regulate unrecognized play schools operating in Tamil Nadu. The issue involves some 760 unrecognized play schools which are functioning without any sanction. The petitioner contended that these schools operate without any sanctions and admit hundreds of children and collect exorbitant fees from parents. The petitioner also highlighted the lack of infrastructure in unrecognized schools. Further, the petition brought to light the about complaints that are pending before education department officials unattended. 

The petitioner prayed for closure of all 760 unrecognized play schools running without any affiliation as prescribed by Tamil Nadu Recognized Private Schools Regulations 1973 and transfer those students from unrecognized play schools to recognized play schools.

Direction to Education Department

On August 14, 2014, when the petition came up before the Madras High Court, it was pleased to direct the Tamil Nadu Education Department to upload all details of the schools and related circulars in its website to avoid confusion. But Education Department failed to so. When the matter came up before the bench, State Government sought adjournments stating that norms under drafting and soon will be published.

When the issue came up April 6, 2015, another adjournment was sought be the Government, the bench comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice T S Sivagnanam observed the State appears to be not serious in finalizing the norms despite repeated directions.

Further, the bench ordered the Home Secretary and School Education Department Secretary  should be personally present on June 16, if they fail to finalize the norms by the next date of hearing.

Lack of Infrastructure:

With present situation, any body who own or rent 650 sq. ft of floor space, could start such play schools. As play school academics are not serious, parents are not mindful to verify such play school recognition. A school must contain good infrastructure such as class rooms, play ground, first aid, drinking water,etc. But many play schools which are started with business motive charge exorbitant fee from parents but fail to provide good service in return. 

Most play schools operating would lack good play ground size. All children are made to occupy the small place which is used to run the play school. These play schools are popular in residential areas. The close proximity to house encourage parents to get admission to children.

With the growth of IT companies near cities, unrecognized play school numbers are up in the city sub-urban areas. As parents are working professionals, who do not find time to take of children during day time, find play schools which are in vicinity as a good place to leave behind their children. 

But when admitting a child, parents must take notice on the recognition that must be sought from the concerned State Government, infrastructure, safety and security of their children which is often neglected. The convenience outweigh the requirements. A compromise on these standards would be fatal. As a parent, it is wise to make sure about the play school before admitting the child.

The Direction of Madras High Court is step closer to regulate unrecognized play schools in the State of Tamil Nadu.