The Gujarat education department is facing challenges with its proposed Schools of Excellence (SoE) plan. This initiative aimed to designate around 50 elite schools, giving them the freedom to set their own fees without oversight from the Fee Regulatory Committee (FRC). However, the response from the public has been disappointing. By the end of the suggestion period, only 22 responses were received, with less than six supporting the plan.
Critics are worried that exempting SoEs from the FRC could lead to unchecked fee increases. Many believe that allowing schools to raise fees freely will turn education into a business rather than a service. One response pointed out, “Education has become a business; don’t allow SoE.” This sentiment reflects the fear that the new system would benefit the wealthy while leaving lower-income families behind.
A senior official from the education department acknowledged the concerns. He mentioned that among the 22 suggestions received, at least four were in favour of the SoEs, while the majority raised objections. One notable objection argued that the amendment to the FRC Act, 2017, would enable schools to exploit parents financially.
Many suggestions called for a focus on improving basic education rather than creating elite institutions. Some participants urged the government to establish excellent residential schools in every taluka, aimed at preparing students for competitive exams like NEET and JEE. Others recommended targeted support for underprivileged students, especially those in science streams, to improve their chances of admission to medical and engineering colleges.
An academic suggested increasing the cap on SoEs from 1% to a range of 1% to 3%, depending on district population and eligibility. This proposal aims to make the plan more inclusive. He also highlighted the importance of equipping these schools with modern skills, such as coding and robotics, while ensuring they follow proper teacher recruitment norms.
Another important recommendation was to prevent SoEs from running coaching centres on their premises. Critics argue this could further commercialise education and distract from the primary purpose of teaching. Moreover, it was suggested that SoEs should support students from less privileged backgrounds and engage in collaborative networks as per the CBSE Centre of Excellence framework.
An Ahmedabad school management team submitted nine points for consideration, including a five-year implementation plan with annual reviews, performance-linked fees, and mandatory disclosures concerning academic plans and fee structures. They proposed using diagnostic tests like SAFAL and ASSET to identify learning gaps rather than relying solely on exam scores.
Despite the low level of support for the SoE plan, a senior education officer stated that while there is no strong opposition, the proposal is being reconsidered. The direction of the plan will be clearer in the coming days as the department evaluates feedback.
The response to the Schools of Excellence initiative has highlighted the tension between providing quality education and the risks of commercialisation. Many stakeholders are calling for a system that prioritises access and equity over profit, ensuring that education remains a fundamental right for all students, regardless of their financial background. The current pushback against the SoE plan may lead to a renewed focus on reforming existing educational structures to enhance quality without compromising affordability.
As Gujarat moves forward, the debate surrounding the Schools of Excellence will continue to evolve. The education department faces significant pressure to balance the need for quality education with the public’s concerns about rising costs and potential exploitation. The future of the SoE initiative will depend on how well the government can address these issues and ensure that it meets the needs of all students in the state.