Bengaluru: Over 25,000 independent preschools across Karnataka will be forced to close down if the govt enforces its “impossible-to-comply” regulations, claimed Karnataka Council of Preschools (KCPS) Wednesday. It urged the govt to immediately stop enforcement of these regulations.The new norms were meant for schools from kindergarten to class 12 level, and compliance by neighbourhood-based preschools was unviable, the association said. “For instance, the requirement of a 30-year registered lease for preschools operating in rented residential premises is impractical in a private rental market. This clause alone could render nearly 90% of existing standalone preschools ineligible to function,” said council secretary Pruthvi Banawasi.The council also objected to the mandated classroom size of 18ft x 20ft (360 sqft), arguing that it is difficult to achieve in residential localities where most play homes operate. It raised concerns over the requirement for Educational Land Conversion (CLU), which, it said, is designed for large campuses and is financially and legally beyond the reach of small preschool operators.KCPS also alleged a lack of transparency in the registration process, stating that the official portal is not accessible to the general public and functions only within offices of block education officer (BEO), leaving applicants dependent on physical visits.“Closure of standalone preschools would result in the loss of livelihood for over 4.5 lakh women, including teachers, aayahs, and support staff. Worse, limited access to affordable neighbourhood childcare could compel many working mothers to leave the workforce,” said Banawasi, explaining the importance of the pre-school segment.KCPS demanded the constitution of a high-level committee to frame separate norms for standalone early childhood care and education (ECCE) centres, distinct from K-12 institutions. It also sought an immediate stay on building, lease, and land conversion requirements until revised guidelines are issued, and the restoration of a fully functional public registration portal.
