Rajasthan govt clears bill to regulate coaching centers following rise in student suicides

Once a thriving center of education, Kota is now facing a devastating crisis—over 17 student suicides last year and around seven this year.

Amid this tragedy and a sharp decline in student enrollment, Kota is launching new initiatives to restore student confidence and safety, aiming to create a supportive, mental-health-conscious environment and prevent further loss of young lives.

In a significant move to address student welfare and youth employment, the Rajasthan cabinet approved two key policies on March 8, focusing on regulating coaching centers and promoting skill development.

The Rajasthan Coaching Center Control and Regulation Bill, alongside the Rajasthan Skill Policy 2025, aims to support youth employment and skill development.

These initiatives are part of the government's broader effort to improve educational standards, ensure student welfare, and create more job opportunities for the state's youth.

Rajasthan Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Jogaram Patel said, “Students sometimes commit suicide due to stress, which is unfortunate. We want students to study and compete but not face mental health issues.”

He added, “Next week, the bill will be presented to the assembly.”

The bill includes provisions for fines and registration cancellations for violations and will apply to coaching centers with more than 50 students.

According to Patel, the government will also implement the Rajasthan Skill Policy 2025, which aims to reskill, upskill, and encourage entrepreneurship, opening up new job opportunities for young people.

“The number of unemployed youth in the state is growing. The government is committed to providing four lakh jobs in five years and creating additional employment opportunities,” he said.

“There are 20 lakh employable youth who lack the right skills, and through appropriate skill programs, we want them to contribute to the state's development,” he added.

The ministers confirmed that the bill has been drafted in accordance with guidelines issued by the central government after discussions with various stakeholders.

To enhance transparency in coaching centers, they also announced plans to establish a state-level portal and a 24/7 helpline for student counseling.

The bill proposes the creation of the Rajasthan Coaching Institutes (Control and Regulation) Authority, which will oversee the implementation.

Deputy CM Prem Chand Bairwa explained that once the law is enacted, all coaching institutes will be required to register.

Coaching centers with 50 or more students will fall under the legal framework, ensuring a safe, disciplined, and supportive environment for students.

The Rajasthan Coaching Institutes (Control and Regulation) Authority will be headed by the secretary of the state's higher education department, with a district committee chaired by the district magistrate.

Additionally, the cabinet approved the Equal Opportunity Policy for Persons with Disabilities, aligning with the provisions of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights, and Full Participation) Act.

This policy will be implemented across all government departments, autonomous bodies, and institutions under state government control.

Bairwa emphasized that the policy guarantees barrier-free access to government offices and ensures the necessary facilities for differently-abled employees to effectively perform their duties.