Gujarat makes reservation policy mandatory in private school recruitment, sets fines

Reservation policy will now be mandatory for staff recruitment in aided private schools in Gujarat. The state Assembly has passed an amendment bill proposing stricter penalties for violations of recruitment and other provisions.

The bill seeks to prevent arbitrariness in the recruitment process at aided private schools. Those violating the rules could face a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.

Certain violations could also attract a jail term of one to two years, a fine ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, or both.BILL SEEKS GREATER TRANSPARENCY, INCLUSION IN SCHOOL EDUCATION

The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Act, 1972 Amendment Bill was passed with the stated objective of enhancing justice, accountability, transparency, inclusiveness and efficiency in the secondary education system.

The government said the amendments would provide clearer legal definitions of grant-aided and non-grant-aided schools. This, it said, would reduce administrative confusion and strengthen the Board's regulatory control.

The amendment also introduces a legal provision for "special educators", enabling their recruitment in schools. The move is aimed at providing children with disabilities and special needs access to appropriate educational opportunities and specialised guidance.

For government-aided schools, the qualifications, procedure and selection process for principals, teachers, special educators and non-teaching staff will be prescribed by the state government through rules.

For private, non-grant-aided schools, the qualifications for principals, teachers, special educators and non-teaching staff will be determined by the state government through regulations.

The state's existing reservation policy will now be fully implemented in staff recruitment.TOUGHER PENALTIES FOR ILLEGAL APPOINTMENTS, UNREGISTERED SCHOOLS

The bill introduces stricter penalties for serious violations by school operators.

If an operator illegally appoints a principal or teacher in a grant-in-aid secondary or higher secondary school, the previous penalty of Rs 1,000 will be replaced with a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.

The amendment also states that no school can provide education without being registered with the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board.

Previously, violations attracted a fine of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. Under the amended provision, offenders could face one to two years in prison, a fine of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, or both.

The bill also raises the penalty for arbitrarily closing a registered secondary or higher secondary school during the academic year without notifying the Board.

Previously, the fine was Rs 1,000 for failing to provide six months' notice. Under the amended provision, the penalty will be Rs 20 lakh.

The government said the stricter provisions are aimed at ensuring that students' education and future are not disrupted.CHANGES TO REPRESENTATION ON THE EDUCATION BOARD

The amendment also proposes three changes to Section 3(2) of the Act concerning elected members.

Under the earlier provision, teachers from registered schools, except post-basic schools, elected one member from among themselves. The amended provision specifies that teachers from registered secondary schools, excluding post-basic and government schools, will elect one member.

Separate provisions will apply to representation from government schools, higher basic schools and higher secondary schools.

Another amendment concerns the representation of non-teaching staff. The new provision explicitly includes both government-aided private schools (granted) and wholly private schools (non-granted) at the secondary and higher secondary levels.

The amendment also changes the provision concerning Parent Association representation. The word "private" has been removed, expanding the scope to all registered secondary and higher secondary schools.

Under the new provision, presidents of Parent Associations of all registered secondary and higher secondary schools will be eligible to participate in the election process.

The government said the changes have been introduced keeping the interests of students in mind.- EndsPublished By: Mridusmita DekaPublished On: Sep 11, 2026 14:19 ISTRead | ABVP announces candidate list for Delhi University student polls 2026-27Read | UP constables clear SI recruitment, seek waiver of training and salary recovery