DoE Delhi removes minimum land requirement for unaided private school recognition, upgradation

The Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, has removed the fixed minimum land-area requirement for granting fresh recognition, extending recognition or upgrading recognised unaided private schools in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

The revised norms clarify that any minimum land-area requirement for school affiliation will continue to be determined by the norms of the concerned affiliating board. The DoE's decision, therefore, does not exempt private schools from meeting the land requirements prescribed by their respective boards.

Recognition by the Directorate will also remain subject to the applicable provisions of the Delhi school education act and rules, 1973, the right of children to free and compulsory education act, 2009, and the Delhi right of children to free and compulsory education rules, 2011.

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The official notification reads, “Grant of recognition by the Directorate shall not be construed as grant of affiliation or exemption from compliance with the norms of the concerned affiliating Board or any other applicable statutory authority.”

The Directorate’s May 28, 2014 circular, which prescribed fixed minimum land- area norms for the recognition or upgradation of unaided private schools, has been superseded. The review norms will take effect immediately.

Earlier land norms for Delhi private schools

The earlier fixed minimum land-area requirements prescribed under the Delhi master plan (MPD-2021) and followed by the DoE for recognition and upgradation of unaided private schools required 800 square meters for primary schools offering classes I to V and 1000 square metres for middle schools offering classes VI to VIII.