Himachal mulls law to reign in play schools

With the aim of reigning in private play schools, Himachal Pradesh is contemplating enacting an early childhood education law.

With the aim of reigning in private play schools, Himachal Pradesh is contemplating enacting an early childhood education law.

Department of woman and child development is preparing the draft bill for early childhood education.

The government, so far, has control only over anganvadis. During the past few years, the state has seen playschools, which lure parents in the name of “better foundation” for their wards, mushroom.

While there are a few big names in this field, most playschools run in small rooms without adequate infrastructure.

Clamour for admission in such schools has been rising in both urban and semi-urban areas.

Interestingly, barring a few, most of these ‘schools’ are not registered with the government.

Government keeps a record of children between the ages of 0 to 6 years who go to anganvadis centres. Concerned department also keep a check on the facilities being provided to the children.

Unfortunately, things take a turn for the worst in most play schools. “Play schools behave like full-fledged schools. They host numerous activities, burdening children in the name of overall development,” a government official, requesting anonymity, said.

It seems that parents have outsourced the job of preparing children for admission in English-medium schools to such play schools, he added.

PROPOSED BILL

The bill will look into issue of children below the age of 6 years being admitted to Class 1. “There have been instances where children below age of 6 years are in Class 1. The government is looking into this issue,” The official said.