Delhi drops fixed land-size rule for private school recognition

Delhi’s unaided private schools will no longer face a fixed minimum land-area requirement when seeking recognition, an extension of recognition or an upgrade from the Directorate of Education (DoE).

The change takes effect immediately and supersedes the relevant land-area provision in the DoE’s May 28, 2014 circular. It applies to recognition by the directorate, not to a school’s affiliation with a board.

Schools must still meet any land norms set by their affiliating boards. The DoE said its recognition does not amount to affiliation or exempt a school from requirements imposed by the relevant board or another statutory authority.

Recognition will also remain conditional on compliance with the Delhi School Education Act and Rules, 1973; the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009; and the Delhi RTE Rules, 2011.