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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Modi's Israel visit not good for Mahatma's India: Mehbooba
Srinagar (PTI): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel was against the country's policy and not a good sign for Mahatma Gandhi's India.
She called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "criminal" who is afraid of visiting many countries lest he be arrested.
"I think our country's policy is against it. Today, the whole world opposes Israel PM Netanyahu. The International Criminal Court has indicted him. He does not visit many countries for fear of arrest. Modi, who represents 140 crore people, goes there and hugs a criminal, meets and talks to him, I think, it is not a good sign for our country, for Gandhi's India," Mehbooba told reporters in Anantnag.
On panchayat elections due in Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba said they should be conducted because the people at the ground-level are beset with problems.
"People believed that after the government was formed, their difficulties would be resolved, but they are not being addressed. So, Panchayat elections should take place, and I request the people not to see a party, but elect good persons so that they serve them tomorrow," she said.
Asked about the anti-corruption bureau raid on a house of a brother of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary, the PDP chief said, "The raid on the brother of the deputy CM makes it clear on whose backing the brother does everything."
"You should ask this question to the deputy CM," the PDP leader added.
VIDEO | Khanbal, J&K: On PM Narendra Modi's visit to Israel, PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti says, "PM went and hugged a criminal. He (Netanyahu) has been shunned by the world, banned from entering many countries."
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 26, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/JuvwoEShxZ
