The Karnataka Council of Preschools (KCPS) has urged the Government of Karnataka to suspend what it calls “impractical” regulations that could force over 25,000 standalone preschools to shut down and has warned that it could result in job losses for over 4.5 lakh employed un preschools.

At a press conference in Bengaluru on Wednesday, KCPS representatives said recent directives — including Circular DPI-CPIOC7-2(NWS)/1/2026-E-2062350 — impose K-12 standards on small neighbourhood preschools operating in residential spaces. They flagged requirements such as a 30-year registered lease, 18×20 ft classrooms, educational land conversion, and a minimum 2,000 sq ft built-up area as unrealistic for home-based centres. The council also raised concerns about limited access to the preschool registration portal.

KCPS warned that closures could impact over 4.5 lakh women employed in the sector and reduce affordable childcare options, potentially pushing up fees and forcing some mothers out of the workforce.

The council has requested a high-level committee to draft separate guidelines for standard-alone ECCE centres, an immediate pause on building-related norms, and restoration of a fully accessible registration portal.

Meanwhile, responding to this, D Shashi Kumar, general secretary, Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka said, “Does the state have a track of the 25,000 schools in question? Karnataka inadvertently permitted many unauthorized pre-primary institutions to function despite complaints over the years. This calls for accountability at the level of local BEO and DDPI authorities and demands policy correction rather than regulatory dilution.

“In this context, we respectfully urge the Department to verify the authenticity of the claims made by KCPS, strengthen and uphold minimum standards for standalone schools, safeguard the interests of recognised and law-abiding institutions, and ensure a level playing field across the education ecosystem. We trust the Department will act in the best interests of children, educators, and compliant institutions.”

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