Delhi replaces Essentiality Certificate with self-certification

The India — Government of Delhi, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Education Minister Ashish Sood, has approved a major reform replacing the mandatory 'Essentiality Certificate' for opening private schools with a self-certification system. The reform removes outdated provisions under the Delhi School Education Act and Rules, 1973, including Rule 44(3) and Rule 50(ii), which required government assessment of local need. The Directorate of Education will now recognize schools based on compliance with norms under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, such as infrastructure, safety, teacher qualifications, and pupil-teacher ratios. Additionally, the government relaxed minimum land area requirements to accommodate India — Delhi's high urban density. The changes aim to reduce administrative hurdles and align with central law.