In a big surprise, the new CBSE Affiliation Byelaws 2018 has a cryptic provision for granting affiliation to innovative schools, as a special category. Section 2.6 of the byelaws has the provisions for granting affiliation to this category of schools. The rest of the document does not mention innovative schools at all.
Newton Schools, as consultants for new school projects, has been at the forefront of creating new and innovative schools. The recognition of “innovative schools” as a separate category in the new CBSE affiliation byelaws in itself is a validation that times are changing and schools need to change with them. We will endeavour to interact with CBSE officials to seek more clarity on Section 2.6 and see how it can benefit innovative schools.
Section 2.6 is reproduced below, as it is in the byelaws, for our readers to understand.
2.6 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS
Special category of innovative schools may also be considered for grant of affiliation by the Board. All the provisions of affiliation byelaws will be applicable to these schools unless otherwise provided for in these byelaws.
The affiliation to the innovative schools is subject to the following conditions:
2.6.1 The special category of innovative schools will cover specialized schools, not covered elsewhere in these byelaws, implementing innovative ideas in the fields of skill development, sports, arts, sciences, etc.
2.6.2 The special category of innovative schools will cover specialized schools, not covered elsewhere in these byelaws, implementing innovative ideas in the fields of skill development, sports, arts, sciences, etc.
2.6.3 The Schools will be covered under the respective category of affiliation applicable to the school as given in clause 2.2 and sub-clauses there to.
2.6.4 The schools shall produce recognition certificate in respect of all classes that are proposed to be opened in the school as per the requirements of RTE Act-2009. In respect of students/classes not covered under RTE Act-2009, the school shall compulsorily produce permission from the state government to open/start all classes which are proposed to be started in the school.
2.6.5 The admission of students in schools shall be governed by the conditions mentioned in NOC and Permission issued by the State/UT Government.
2.6.6 The decision of the Board for considering any school under this category shall be final.
