Bhubaneswar, July 3: The Odisha government has revised the guidelines for establishing private elementary schools, simplifying the approval process for new institutions while strengthening compliance requirements for recognition. The School and Mass Education Department has issued fresh instructions governing the grant of Opening Permission and Certificates of Recognition (CoR) for all private primary and upper primary schools, irrespective of their medium of instruction.

Under the revised norms, applicants will no longer be required to submit an Essentiality Certificate to obtain opening permission. The move is aimed at reducing procedural delays and encouraging the establishment of new schools across the state.

However, the government has retained stringent eligibility criteria for granting recognition. Institutions seeking a Certificate of Recognition must be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or the Indian Trusts Act. Schools must also function on safe and hygienic premises and uphold constitutional values.

The new guidelines make it mandatory for schools to provide adequate classrooms, separate toilets, safe drinking water, playgrounds, ramps for children with disabilities, and other child-friendly facilities. Schools must appoint qualified teaching and non-teaching staff and comply with provisions of Sections 19 and 25 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.

According to the notification, applications for opening permission will be scrutinised by the Director of Elementary Education. After approval, the concerned District Education Officer will issue the final permission before the commencement of the academic session.

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