Karnataka Private Schools Oppose New Safety Mandate as Parents Applaud Child Safety Focus

Bengaluru, October 24, 2025 – A new directive from Karnataka’s Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) mandating a Certificate of School Building Safety for private schools to renew their recognition for the upcoming academic year has sparked a heated debate. While parents’ groups have hailed the measure as a long-overdue step to ensure child safety, private school managements across the state are pushing back, citing logistical and financial challenges.

The New Safety Mandate

The DSEL issued a circular last month requiring all private schools in Karnataka to obtain a Certificate of School Building Safety from a government-approved structural engineer or agency. The certificate, which must confirm compliance with the National Building Code of India and local safety regulations, is now a prerequisite for renewing a school’s recognition for the 2026-27 academic year. The directive aims to address concerns about aging infrastructure, fire hazards, and structural vulnerabilities in private school buildings, many of which operate in densely populated urban areas.

According to the DSEL, the mandate was prompted by a series of incidents in recent years, including a 2023 fire breakout in a private school in Bengaluru and a partial building collapse in Mysuru, which raised alarms about inadequate safety standards. The department has set a deadline of March 31, 2026, for schools to submit their certificates, with non-compliance potentially leading to the suspension of recognition, effectively barring schools from operating.

Private Schools’ Opposition

The Karnataka Private Schools Association (KPSA), representing over 10,000 private institutions, has strongly opposed the directive, calling it “impractical” and “financially burdensome.” KPSA President R. Venkatesh argued that while safety is a priority, the mandate imposes significant costs on schools, particularly smaller institutions operating on tight budgets. “The cost of hiring certified structural engineers and undertaking necessary repairs could run into lakhs of rupees,” Venkatesh said. “Many schools are still recovering from the financial strain of the pandemic, and this mandate feels like an added burden.”

School managements have also raised concerns about the availability of government-approved engineers to conduct inspections within the stipulated timeline. “There are only a limited number of certified professionals in Karnataka,” said Shalini Rao, principal of a private school in Mangaluru. “Meeting the deadline will be a logistical nightmare, especially for schools in rural areas.”

The KPSA has appealed to the state government for a phased implementation of the mandate and financial assistance for schools unable to bear the costs of compliance. They have also requested clarity on the specific safety standards schools must meet, as the current guidelines are perceived as vague by some administrators.

Parents’ Groups Welcome the Move

In contrast, parents’ associations across Karnataka have welcomed the directive, viewing it as a critical step toward ensuring the safety of their children. The Karnataka Parents’ Association for Child Safety (KPACS), a prominent advocacy group, has been campaigning for stricter safety regulations in schools for years. “This is a victory for every parent who sends their child to school expecting a safe environment,” said KPACS spokesperson Meena Sharma. “We’ve seen too many incidents where children’s lives were put at risk due to negligence. This mandate holds schools accountable.”

Parents have pointed to cases like the 2023 Bengaluru school fire, where over 200 students were evacuated after an electrical short circuit caused a blaze in a classroom. “It’s unacceptable that schools operate without regular safety audits,” said Anil Kumar, a parent from Mysuru. “The government is finally prioritizing our children’s well-being.”

KPACS has urged the DSEL to ensure strict enforcement of the mandate and conduct awareness campaigns to educate parents about their rights to demand safe school infrastructure. The group has also called for a public database listing schools that have obtained the safety certificate to promote transparency.

Government’s Stance

The DSEL has defended the mandate, emphasizing that student safety cannot be compromised. “The safety of children is non-negotiable,” said a senior official from the department, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We understand the concerns of private schools, but the incidents in recent years have made it clear that proactive measures are necessary.”

The department has promised to work with local authorities to streamline the certification process and is exploring partnerships with engineering colleges to increase the pool of certified professionals available for inspections. However, the government has not yet responded to the KPSA’s request for financial assistance or a phased implementation.

Challenges Ahead

As the deadline approaches, the mandate has highlighted broader issues in Karnataka’s education system, including disparities between well-funded urban schools and smaller institutions in rural areas. Many rural schools, which often operate in older buildings, may struggle to meet the new standards without significant investment. Meanwhile, urban schools face challenges related to space constraints and retrofitting modern safety features into existing structures.

Education experts have called for a balanced approach. “While the intent of the mandate is commendable, the government must provide clear guidelines and support to ensure compliance doesn’t disproportionately affect smaller schools,” said Dr. Priya Rao, an education policy analyst at the University of Bangalore. “A one-size-fits-all approach may not work given the diversity of private schools in Karnataka.”

Looking Forward

The standoff between private schools and the DSEL is likely to intensify in the coming months as the March 2026 deadline looms. Parents’ groups have vowed to hold both the government and schools accountable, with some planning to organize protests if the mandate is diluted or delayed. Meanwhile, the KPSA has hinted at exploring legal options if their demands for a revised implementation plan are not met.

As Karnataka grapples with this contentious issue, the debate underscores a broader question: how to balance the need for safe educational environments with the practical realities faced by private schools. For now, the safety of millions of students hangs in the balance, with all eyes on the state government to navigate this complex challenge.