Transparency in coaching classes urgently required

Coaching classes have become an integral part of the education system in the present day. Increased competition and growth in awareness among parents is driving the latter to avail quality education for their wards. Lack of trust on the quality of education imparted by educational institutions has been prompting parents to opt for these coaching classes since over a decade now. Also, poor information has been making selecting a coaching class a headache for parents. Therefore, it’s high time that the admission to these classes is made transparent and student-friendly. The education department of the state and central governments must frame the regulations for increasing tuition classes’ fees. The government must make it mandatory for coaching classes to make available all information on their websites. The educational qualification of the lecturers, percentage of all students at the time of admission and while passing out, fee structure, infrastructure, among other details must be specified on their website. Increased importance of classes raises questions on schools/colleges.Simply put, educational institutions meant to impart quality education have failed to do so. The reason commonly cited is the lack of quality teachers in school and colleges is not true, since most teachers in coaching classes are from school/colleges only. The question then arises as to why teachers are not delivering quality education in educational institutions. Is the promise of permanent service and monthly uninterrupted payment behind the liberal approach in educational institutions? While institutions will deny the points raised above, they must explain why parents approach expensive coaching classes despite sending their kid to a so-called ‘international school’? Coaching classes must render 100 % transparency: If coaching classes trust ability and quality, they must come forward with details such as educational qualifications of all lecturers, total information of all batches student-wise, inclusive of entry and exit percentage. Framing regulation is necessary: Although transparency is expected from coaching classes, they will not do so until a regulation is framed to that effect. Several factors need transparency - financial aspect, pay and perks paid to lecturers and staff, refund policy for fees, et al. Admitting students to coaching classes without gathering concrete information is akin to playing with the future of that student.    Of course, coaching classes are becoming an integral part of the present day education system and one can’t deny this. By taking into account the current scenario and vital role played by coaching classes, it’s the need of the hour that the government come forward urgently and frame rules and regulations for private coaching classes. Expansionary impact of class had a adverse impact: To shield coaching classes, one can come put forward the argument that such classes are not mandatory. Accepted! Owing to tie-ups and the integrated course concept, conventional education institutions have been reduced to a legal ground for registration of different exams. Students from financial-weaker sections fully relying on school/colleges are deprived of quality education. This is a serious issue. Education system with freedom is a better option: If despite paying donation in lakhs to well-known educational institutes, parents have to still send their wards to coaching classes, then the system of introducing freedom in education makes sense. Students must be given the freedom avail education directly from schools/colleges and/or directly from coaching classes or from home. This will prove to be a win-win situation for parents and teachers. Parents will end up saving money. If the government is up for integrated/tie-up concept, it should not have any objection in the freedom in education system concept. Admission to school/college should be made optional, as there is no point in wasting the time. Quality of education must be made the basic funda of marketing for coaching classes, but the reality is sad. LINK FOR ARTICLE : http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=67355&boxid=9877&ed_date=2014-07-10&ed_code=820015&ed_page=3. Note your comments and critics are always welcomed.