Norms for private schools irk Karnataka High Court

BENGALURU: Jan 1, 2016, DHNS

The Karnataka High Court on Thursday questioned the State government’s insistence on private schools to allot half-an-acre for playground when some government schools function from cow sheds.

The petitioner, Balakuteera Educational Trust and seven other schools, had questioned the applicability of a government notification which makes it mandatory for new schools which will commence classes from 2015-2016 academic year to allot  half-an-acre for a playground.

The petitioner schools already have classes from I to V and will be commencing classes VI and VII in the next academic year.  The State government, however, rejected their applications as these schools had not fulfilled the conditions as per the notification.

The petitioners contended that the condition is applicable to new educational institutions which would commence classes from 2015-2016 and does not apply to those educational institutions which are already in existence. The petitioners’ counsel K V Dhananjay stated that as per the notification, land should be of half an acre. 

The bench headed by Justice Anand Byrareddy adjourned the hearing to January 6.
DH News Service