New pre-school rules may shut 25,000 institutions in Karnataka, affect 4.5 lakh women: Council
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Council of Pre-Schools has raised serious concerns over newly issued regulations for pre-schools, warning that nearly 25,000 institutions across the state could be forced to shut down if the rules are implemented in their present form.
The council also said that close to 4.5 lakh women employed in the sector may lose their jobs, leading to widespread financial distress for families dependent on pre-school income.
Addressing reporters on Wednesday, representatives of the council said they have sought the intervention of the Minister for School Education and Literacy and urged the government to suspend the new rules and redraft them. According to a report published by Deccan Herald, the council termed the compulsory enforcement of the revised norms as impractical and unworkable.
The council warned that the restrictions, if implemented without changes, could have a significant socio-economic impact. They said the pre-school sector largely employs women, and large-scale closures would push thousands out of employment.
One of the major objections relates to a provision requiring pre-schools functioning from residential premises to comply with a 30-year lease condition. Deccan Herald quoted Council secretary Pruthvi Banavasi as stating that such a requirement is unrealistic, as most landlords would not agree to lease properties for such a long duration. He said nearly 90 per cent of existing pre-schools may not be able to meet this condition, making it difficult for them to continue operations.
The council also expressed concern over the rule mandating a minimum classroom size of 18 feet by 20 feet. According to the representatives, many neighbourhood-based pre-schools operate in smaller, secure and home-like settings preferred by parents of young children. They argued that the uniform size requirement does not take into account the functioning pattern of such institutions.
The council has urged the government to hold consultations with stakeholders before finalising the norms.
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KKR defeat LSG via Super Over
Lucknow (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants via Super Overs in a battle between two bottom-placed teams in the IPL, here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 156, LSG suffered a batting collapse and managed to tie the contest and take it to Super Over with No. 9 Mohammed Shami striking a last-ball six against a wayward Kartik Tyagi, who leaked 16 runs in the final over.
But Sunil Narine bowled a stunning Super Over conceding just one run and taking two wickets to give KKR an easy target.
Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary off first ball from Prince Yadav.
Earlier the KKR were in deep trouble with 93/7 in 15 overs but Rinku smashed a sensational 83 not out from 51 balls including four sixes in a row in the final over to lift them to 155/7.
Cameron Green (34) was the only other batter to reach double-digit scores as KKR suffered a familiar batting meltdown with Mohsin taking his maiden fifer.
In reply, LSG continued their dismal show with the bat to succumb to their fifth loss in a row.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7; 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5/23). Lucknow Super Giants 155/8; 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42). KKR won via Super Over.
