The Tamil Nadu Nursery, Primary Matriculation and Higher Secondary School Managements’ Association on Wednesday approached the Madras High Court on behalf of 746 private schools which are on the verge of closure, as the Government Order granting exemption to these schools from complying with the minimum land requirement would expire by May 31.
The association has asked the High Court to direct the State government to pass appropriate orders on the recommendations submitted by an Expert Committe with reference to the minimum land requirement.
‘Compliance with norms’
The petitioner claimed that all the 746 schools were established several years ago and were recognised under the Code of Matriculation Schools and were in compliance with the original norms fixed under the code.
While so, the government, based on Professor S.V. Chittibabu Commission’s recommendations, issued orders prescribing new fee structure and infrastructural facilities depending upon the location of the schools.
After extending the time prescribed to comply with the regulation, the government on March 5, 2013 appointed an Expert Committee to go into the issue of land requirements.
Subsequently, on August 18, 2015 the government stated through a GO that 746 schools did not meet the minimum land requirement.
The GO said pending final decision of the government the recognition of these schools would stand renewed up to May 31, 2016 as a one time measure.
Claiming that the fate of about 11 lakh students in these schools depended on the decision to be taken by the government, the petitioner sought the court to direct the authorities to pass appropriate order within a time frame fixed by the court.
Admitting the plea, Justice R. Subbiah directed the State government to file a reply to the petition.
Court asks State government to file reply to the petition filed by association
