In its directives to Regional Education Directorates (RED) and District Education Offices, the DoE has urged them to strictly go through “need assessment” keeping in mind the number of probable students who could get enrolled in the schools in their area including their location. The criteria set by the DoE are tougher for public schools (than private schools) as the DEO’s have been directed to prove the relevancy for their establishment before granting them the permission. The RED’s have been asked to submit the findings of their study to DoEs and complete all the procedures needed for granting permission to set up new schools by the end of March.

“The final decision on the permission should be made before the start of the new academic session,” read the directives. “Those who are denied the permission should be informed immediately.”

The new academic session starts from mid-April this year. The new directive was issued keeping in mind the decreasing enrolments at the school level.