CHENNAI: Keeping in line with the recent amendments to the Tamil Nadu Private Schools (Regulation) Rules passed by the state Assembly, the school education department has directed district-level officials to inspect private schools and submit reports to grant extended recognition and permit upgrade.

Under the revised rules, private schools that function without any violation for three consecutive years will be eligible for extended recognition valid for 20 years. Earlier, schools were required to renew recognition every three years.

Of the nearly 14,000 private schools in the state, only about 70 currently have permanent recognition. Under the new system, schools must continue to submit certificates for fire safety, building stability and sanitation, among others, once every three years. “Earlier, recognition had to be renewed every three years. Now, it has been extended to 20 years, though compliance with the certificates mentioned must still be submitted periodically,” said a private school association member.

While the move aims to reduce administrative burden on private schools in the state, compliance with norms would be ensured through periodic inspections. According to departmental proceedings, schools will have to pay an annual inspection fee. “The district education officer (private schools) should conduct inspections within seven days if an application for 20-year recognition is received and submit a report to the directorate,” the proceedings stated.

Further, officials have been instructed to conduct inspections and submit reports for upgrading primary schools to middle schools as per the new norms.

Schools will be permitted to upgrade after inspection of infrastructure such as classrooms, laboratories, library and staff facilities, along with building stability and safety compliance.

The rules also mandate that school premises be used strictly for educational purposes, prohibiting commercial or unrelated activities.

This story is reported by Subashini Vijayakumar