Lucknow – The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UP Board) has amended its recognition regulations for establishing private unaided secondary schools by simplifying several provisions related to land ownership, eligibility and the application process. The changes have been introduced on the directions of the Uttar Pradesh government to promote the expansion of educational institutions while reducing procedural hurdles. UP Board Secretary Bhagwati Singh said the changes were made to make it easier for schools to get recognition.
One of the major changes is that more organisations can now open recognised private unaided schools. Earlier, only registered societies, trusts and non-profit companies could apply for recognition. Under the new rules, schools can also be set up on land owned by government departments, autonomous bodies, statutory organisations, public sector undertakings (PSUs) and local bodies. This will make it easier to establish new schools.
Schools which have been set up on land which is taken on a registered lease for at least 30 years can now get recognition. However, if the lease expires and is not renewed, the school’s recognition will also come to an end.
While the ownership norms have been relaxed, the minimum land requirements remain unchanged. Schools in urban areas must continue to have at least 3,000 square metres of land, including a 1,000 square metre playground. In rural areas, institutions must have a minimum of 6,000 square metres of land, with a 2,000 square metre playground.
The new rules also allow the playground to be located up to 200 metres away from the school building. However, both the school and the playground must be on the same side of the road.
Another major change is that the online recognition portal will now remain open throughout the year. Earlier, schools could apply only during a fixed application period. Now, they can submit their applications at any time. However, schools that had completed all formalities and apply by May 31 would be considered for recognition for the next examination year. The revised regulations also remove the provision requiring applicants to pay a Rs 20,000 late fee. This will reduce the financial burden on institutions looking for recognition.
District Inspectors of Schools (DIOS) have been directed to submit their inspection reports and recommendations by August 20 each year in order to ensure timely processing of applications. The UP Board has also provided relief to schools that were recognised before December 26, 2022. Such institutions will continue to be governed by the earlier land norms. If these schools want to start new classes, additional sections or new subjects at the Intermediate level, they will only need to show that they have the required extra classrooms and laboratories. The Board has also relaxed several other rules for such schools.
The new rules aim to make the recognition process simpler and easier for schools while ensuring that basic academic and infrastructure standards are maintained. Through these changes, more private unaided schools will be encouraged to open and expand across Uttar Pradesh, helping improve access to secondary education in both urban and rural areas.
