Maharashtra is saying “enough is enough.” On July 16, 2025, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse announced a groundbreaking law to break the nexus between colleges and private coaching classes, a move set to restore integrity to the state’s education system. This bold reform, sparked by concerns raised by NCP MLA Hiraman Khoskar, promises to hold colleges accountable and prioritize student learning over profit-driven partnerships.
- Maharashtra to introduce law targeting collusion between colleges and private coaching classes.
- Aims to ensure colleges deliver core academic responsibilities independently.
- Announced by School Education Minister Dada Bhuse on July 16, 2025.
Why the Nexus Hurts Students
Key Points:
- Colleges outsourcing teaching to coaching centers undermines quality education.
- Students face additional financial burdens from coaching fees.
- Law aligns with NEP 2020’s push for holistic, school-based learning.
The cozy relationship between some colleges and private coaching classes has long been a thorn in Maharashtra’s education system. Colleges, meant to be pillars of learning, have been accused of shirking their responsibilities by pushing students toward expensive coaching centers for core subjects. This not only hikes costs for families but also creates a dependency on external tutoring, sidelining the classroom experience. The new law aims to ensure colleges focus on delivering quality education themselves, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision of holistic, institution-led learning. It’s a step toward empowering students, not coaching empires.
Curbing Hidden Fees and Exploitation
Key Points:
- Law to address schools charging excessive non-tuition fees.
- Aims to enhance transparency and protect parents from financial exploitation.
- Part of broader reforms to regulate educational practices.
Beyond the coaching nexus, Maharashtra’s reform tackles another pressing issue: schools charging hefty fees under vague “non-tuition” categories. From extracurriculars to infrastructure costs, these charges often lack transparency, leaving parents feeling fleeced. Minister Bhuse has promised amendments to curb this practice, ensuring schools justify every rupee charged. This move is set to bring relief to families already stretched thin by rising education costs, making quality education more accessible and accountable.
The Bigger Picture: A National Concern
Key Points:
- Coaching industry in India, worth ₹58,000 crore, lacks robust regulation.
- Other states like Bihar and Karnataka have laws to regulate coaching centers.
- Central guidelines urge states to oversee coaching at the +2 level.
Maharashtra’s initiative isn’t happening in a vacuum. The coaching industry, a mammoth ₹58,000 crore market in India, has long operated with minimal oversight, leading to issues like exorbitant fees, student stress, and even tragic outcomes like suicides. States like Bihar, Goa, and Karnataka have already taken steps to regulate coaching centers, and the Centre’s 2024 guidelines urge states to manage +2-level education oversight. Maharashtra’s law could set a precedent, inspiring other states to rein in unchecked coaching practices and prioritize student well-being.
Challenges and Criticisms
Key Points:
- Critics question enforcement and loopholes in the proposed law.
- Past attempts, like the 2019 NCP push for coaching regulation, faced delays.
- Need for clear guidelines to prevent colleges from exploiting gray areas.
While the announcement has sparked hope, skepticism remains. Back in 2019, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) pushed for a bill to regulate coaching classes, citing safety and financial concerns after the tragic Surat fire incident. Yet, delays and alleged deals with coaching operators stalled progress. Critics worry that without airtight enforcement, colleges and coaching centers might find loopholes to continue their partnerships. Clear guidelines and strict monitoring will be crucial to ensure this law delivers on its promise.
What’s Next for Maharashtra’s Students?
Key Points:
- Legislation to be introduced soon, with rule amendments in progress.
- Potential to reshape how colleges deliver education.
- Could inspire nationwide reforms in coaching regulation.
The Maharashtra government is moving swiftly to draft this legislation, with Minister Bhuse assuring that it will be tabled soon. Alongside, amendments to curb non-tuition fee exploitation are in the works. If successful, this law could transform how colleges operate, ensuring they prioritize teaching over profiteering. It may also spark a ripple effect, encouraging other states to tackle similar issues in their education systems. For students and parents, this could mean a fairer, more transparent path to learning.
A Step Toward Educational Justice
Maharashtra’s bold move to break the college-coaching nexus is a wake-up call for India’s education system. By holding colleges accountable and curbing exploitative practices, the state is paving the way for a future where education is about empowerment, not profit. As this law takes shape, it’s a reminder that quality education should be a right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford extra coaching.
