Thousands of Preschools in Gujarat Shut Down in Protest

• Nearly 40,000 preschools across Gujarat closed their doors on Tuesday, November 27th, 2023, to protest the state government’s new registration rules.
• The Gujarat Independent Preschool Association (GIPA) organized the one-day strike to highlight their concerns over the unclear and impractical regulations.
• The new policy mandates all preschools to register by February 2025, but the association claims the process is complex and time-consuming.
• The protest impacted approximately 10 lakh children enrolled in these preschools.
• The GIPA has urged the government to address their concerns and simplify the registration process.

Detailed News Article:

On Tuesday, November 27th, 2023, a significant number of preschools across Gujarat, estimated to be around 40,000, remained closed in protest against the state government’s new registration rules. This one-day strike, organized by the Gujarat Independent Preschool Association (GIPA), aimed to draw attention to the challenges faced by preschools in complying with the new regulations.

The new policy, implemented as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, requires all preschools to register by February 2025. However, the GIPA contends that the registration process is fraught with complexities and impracticalities, making it difficult for many preschools to comply within the stipulated timeframe.

Key Concerns Raised by Preschools:

• Unclear Regulations: The association argues that the new rules are not clearly defined, leading to confusion and uncertainty among preschool owners and operators.
• Complex Registration Process: The registration process is perceived as time-consuming and burdensome, involving multiple steps and documentation requirements.
• Building Use (BU) Permits and Lease Agreements: Many preschools operate from rented spaces, and obtaining necessary permits and agreements can be challenging and costly.
• Impact on Children’s Education: The closure of preschools due to non-compliance with the new rules could adversely affect the education of lakhs of young children.

Impact of the Protest:

The one-day strike had a significant impact on the education of approximately 10 lakh children enrolled in the affected preschools. Parents were left scrambling to find alternative childcare arrangements, while teachers and staff lost a day’s wages.

Government’s Response:

In response to the protest, the Gujarat government has stated that it is committed to streamlining the registration process and addressing the concerns of preschools. However, the GIPA remains skeptical and has demanded concrete measures to simplify the regulations and extend the registration deadline.

Future Outlook:

The future of preschool education in Gujarat hangs in the balance as the government and the GIPA continue to negotiate. If the concerns of the preschools are not addressed, it could lead to the closure of many institutions, depriving young children of crucial early childhood education.

The GIPA has indicated that if their demands are not met, they may resort to further protests, including indefinite closures of preschools. This would have a devastating impact on the education sector and the overall development of young children in Gujarat.

It is imperative that the government takes immediate steps to resolve the issues raised by the GIPA and ensure that preschools can continue to provide quality education to young children. A collaborative approach between the government and the preschool sector is essential to find a mutually beneficial solution.