Maharashtra: Coaching classes draft own SOPs, await state nod

State association says classes will operate at one-third strength, with one masked student per bench, urging govt to let them open

Only 1/3rd capacity in home tuitions, one student per bench in coaching classes, mandatory masks, no exchanging of notebooks, pens, etc and not starting anything without parents’ consent - these are some of the many rules mentioned in the Maharashtra Coaching Class Owners Association’s (MCOA) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) submitted to the Minister of Higher and Technical Education Uday Samant on Monday.

Along with physical classes, online classes will likely have to continue considering capacities of coaching centres. Representation Pic

Having been waiting for the government’s response since last month, the MCOA prepared its own SOPs.  Now the association says that the government should not take more time creating guidelines. With colleges allowed to resume February 15 onwards, demands of coaching classes have strengthened. “Coaching classes catering to degree students should also be given permission to resume. It is becoming very difficult to conduct online coaching, especially with exams approaching,” shared Santosh Vaskar, president, MCOA.

There are separate guidelines for two types of classes - home tuitions and coaching centres. These include rules regarding the number of students, physical distance, gatherings outside classes, among others for home tuitions and for centres, and they also pertain to aspects like number of students on benches and personal belongings. With the one-student-per-bench rule, the capacity for different coaching classes may vary and as such, online learning will have to continue too. However, those missing out on it will be able to catch up. Those who can visit the institute will have to be prioritised. 

“With not much time left for exams, physical classes will mostly focus on doubt-solving and confidence-boosting,” Vaskar said. “We have been time and again approaching the government for clarity. But our demands have not been considered. This time, we are being proactive by designing the guidelines, indicating that we are ready with all precautions. After submitting the guidelines to the government regarding coaching for degree classes on Monday, we hope to meet the school education minister soon for centres catering to lower classes,” Vaskar said.

2
Types of coaching the SOPs cover

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!