NEW DELHI: A parliamentary committee will review the rapid growth of coaching centres and PM-SHRI schools. The Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports announced its decision. This review addresses rising student suicides due to academic stress, particularly in competitive exam preparation.
The committee will also examine the proposed Higher Education Council of India (HECI) plans. It will look at the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies on education. These reviews are part of the committee’s agenda for the upcoming years.
Coaching Centres Under Scrutiny
The parliamentary panel will specifically investigate the proliferation of coaching centres. This includes examining the social issues arising from their growth. Current legislation concerning these centres will also be reviewed.
Reports show an increase in student suicides linked to study pressure from coaching institutes. Rajasthan’s Kota, known as the “coaching capital of India,” has reported numerous such cases in recent years.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Education established a nine-member panel. This panel focuses on issues related to coaching and the emergence of “dummy schools.” It also studies the effectiveness and fairness of competitive entrance examinations. This includes their influence on the coaching industry’s expansion.
PM-SHRI Schools and AI in Education
The committee will review PM Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) during the 2025-26 period. This review will assess the program’s implementation and impact. PM-SHRI aims to upgrade existing schools to provide quality education.
Additionally, the panel will study how AI and other emerging technologies affect education and students. This includes identifying ways to leverage these technologies for educational benefits while addressing potential challenges.
Higher Education Reforms (HECI)
The parliamentary panel will seek details on the Education Ministry’s efforts to create the Higher Education Council of India (HECI). A bill to establish this new higher education regulator is listed for introduction in the Parliament’s Winter session, commencing December 1 .
The HECI is a key proposal of the new National Education Policy. It aims to replace multiple existing regulatory bodies. These include the University Grants Commission (UGC), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
Currently, the UGC oversees non-technical higher education. The AICTE regulates technical education. The NCTE is the primary regulatory body for teacher education. HECI seeks to unify these functions under a single framework.
Broader Educational Reviews
The committee’s agenda also includes several other critical areas. These are:
- Reviewing the functioning and performance of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
- Examining efforts to promote education for linguistic and religious minorities.
- Assessing current practices and policies regarding school closures.
- Studying Indological academic traditions and their impact on the current education system.
These comprehensive reviews aim to address critical challenges and opportunities within India’s education sector. They seek to ensure a supportive and effective learning environment for students.