The High Court on Monday issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why necessary steps should not be taken to keep governing bodies and managing committees of private educational institutions free from political influence.
A bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar issued the order after hearing a writ petition challenging the existing legal framework for forming such committees under the Private Educational Institution Governing Body and Managing Committee Regulations, 2024.
In the rule, the court asked the respondents to explain why Rule 7 of the regulations, applicable to all education boards, should not be amended.
The High Court also sought an explanation as to why new regulations should not be introduced to prevent individuals holding posts in or having affiliations with political parties from being elected, nominated or approved as members of governing bodies and managing committees of private educational institutions.
The court further questioned why provisions should not be introduced to ensure greater participation of educationists, retired teachers, freedom fighters, lawyers, doctors and honest, respected social workers in the management of these institutions.
The move aims to ensure transparency, accountability, good governance and political neutrality in the administration of private educational institutions.
During the hearing, lawyers Md Nadir Khan and Md Sohel Rana represented the petitioners.
They argued that effective management of educational institutions required governing bodies to function without partisan political influence.
They also stressed that the committees should include individuals with professional and social credibility to ensure proper administration of educational institutions.
The High Court issued the rule following the hearing of the writ petition, which challenged provisions under the Private Educational Institution Governing Body and Managing Committee Regulations, 2024.
