Daman-Diu Bans School Donations, Curbs Unapproved Coaching Centres

VAPI: Schools and teachers in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu will face tighter oversight under new education regulations that prohibit teachers from accepting gifts or funds, ban school donations and require coaching centres and unaccredited institutions to secure official approval. The rules also prohibit corporal punishment and prevent schools from detaining students after school hours for incomplete classwork.

The Union Territory administration has issued the regulations to strengthen transparency, improve educational standards and protect students and parents from arbitrary practices. The measures cover primary to higher secondary education, with provisions for access, admissions, fees, discipline and institutional recognition.

Coaching Centres Under Scrutiny

Tuition classes, coaching centres and unaccredited educational institutions will not be permitted to operate without prior approval from the Director of Education. Existing operators have been given three months to obtain the required approval.

The Director of Education will oversee the process, bringing coaching and tuition operations under closer regulatory scrutiny.

The regulations also stipulate that private schools seeking accreditation must maintain infrastructure meeting the standards prescribed by their respective education boards. Schools cannot conduct entrance examinations for admissions without the Director of Education’s approval.

The measures seek to bring institutions operating outside formal recognition requirements under an established regulatory framework.

No Donations, Gifts for Teachers

The new rules impose a code of conduct on school principals and teachers, prohibiting them from accepting gifts or funds. Teachers are also barred from conducting private tuition or engaging in commercial activities.

Schools, including self-financed institutions, cannot solicit donations. Government and grant-in-aid schools will not charge admission or tuition fees up to Class 12.

Self-financed schools can determine fees based on operational costs and facilities provided, but the prohibition on donations is intended to prevent additional demands on parents beyond the applicable fee structure.

Relief for Students and Parents

The regulations provide for free school education for children up to the age of 14. They also prohibit corporal punishment in schools.

Students who fail to complete classwork may be required to finish it during recess, but cannot be detained after school hours for that reason. A child below 14 who commits a serious disciplinary violation may be sent to a special school under the prescribed provisions.

The rules introduce a broader framework governing school discipline, teacher conduct and institutional accountability. Their effectiveness will depend on consistent enforcement, particularly in monitoring unapproved coaching centres and ensuring that schools comply with restrictions on fees, donations and student treatment.