Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at easing regulatory hurdles and promoting access to elementary education, the Odisha government has issued revised guidelines for establishing private primary and upper primary schools across the state.
The notification, issued by the School and Mass Education (SME) Department on July 2, eliminates the previously mandatory Essentiality Certificate, streamlining the approval process while upholding quality and safety standards.
The updated instructions, framed under the Odisha Education Act, 1969, the Odisha Education (Establishment, Recognition and Management of Private Upper Primary Schools) Rules, 1991, and in line with the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, apply to all private elementary schools regardless of the medium of instruction. No school can be established or operate without obtaining Opening Permission and a Certificate of Recognition (CoR) under the RTE framework.
Key Conditions for Applicants
>> School authorities must meet several mandatory requirements:
>> The applicant institution or organisation must be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or the Indian Trusts Act.
>> The proposed school must align with constitutional values.
>> Adequate land must be available in safe, sanitary, and healthy surroundings, with full provision for essential infrastructure such as classrooms, separate toilets, drinking water facilities, playgrounds, ramps for accessibility, and other basic amenities.
>> Qualified and trained teachers and non-teaching staff must be appointed as per prescribed norms.
>> Full compliance with norms and standards outlined in Sections 19 and 25 of the RTE Act, 2009.
The Essentiality Certificate — a document that previously established the need for a new school in a particular area — is no longer required for opening permission. Applications will now be recommended directly to the Director of Elementary Education for processing. Upon approval, the District Education Officer (DEO) will issue the opening permission, ideally before the start of the academic session.
Enforcement and Monitoring
The notification emphasises robust oversight. DEOs and Block Education Officers (BEOs) have been directed to conduct regular verifications, monitoring, and periodic inspections to ensure compliance. Schools found violating norms will face action under relevant legal provisions.
This policy supersedes all earlier inconsistent instructions.
The SME Department may issue additional guidelines or clarifications as needed for effective implementation.
