According to a PTI report, Maharashtra is gearing up to bring private preschools under a formal regulatory framework, with the state government proposing legislation that would make registration mandatory and introduce standardized standards for early childhood education institutions. School Education Minister Dada Bhose informed the state assembly on Friday that the move is aimed at ensuring greater accountability and uniform standards in the rapidly expanding pre-school sector, as reported by PTI.The government has already started laying the groundwork through administrative pressure. Bhose said that a circular issued on April 24, 2025 has made it mandatory for all private institutions to register on the preschool registration portal, and thousands of centers have responded to the directive.
The registration exercise gathers momentum.
According to the minister, 12,733 private pre-primary education centers across Maharashtra have so far registered on the portal. The government has appealed to the rest of the institutions to complete the process as soon as possible to ensure their inclusion in the regulatory framework.Officials believe the registration drive will help the state build a comprehensive database of preschools, many of which are functioning without regular supervision.
Proposed legislation to bring regulatory oversight.
Bhose told the House that the government was working on a law specifically designed to regulate private preschools. The proposed legislation is expected to address mandatory registration, institutional regulation and quality assurance.Under the proposed framework, the state intends to appoint a competent authority to register and regulate such institutions. He said all preschools would be required to register through an online portal, their registration subject to renewal every three years.
Focus on quality and child-friendly education.
A set of guidelines that should raise the quality of preschool education is under investigation by the government.Suggestions being considered include a 20:1 student-teacher ratio, a child-centered curriculum, and the availability of toys and learning tools that will enable early learning. Principles such as child-friendly infrastructure are also being considered by the authorities so that preschool settings are safe and developmentally appropriate.
No entrance exams for minors.
Bhose also explained that a pre-primary level preschool cannot take a written or oral entrance exam to gain admission. Instead, a holistic assessment of child development will be possible under the proposed regulatory framework.
The proposal was sent for legal review.
The minister said that the draft proposal has already received input from the women and child development department and has been sent to the law and justice department for legal scrutiny.The state government aims to finalize the legislation and implement it before the next academic year, a move expected to introduce clear rules and accountability in Maharashtra’s private preschool ecosystem.(with inputs from PTI)
