By Sachin Murdeshwar

Mumbai: Maharashtra Class Owners’ Association (MCOA) is a body which helps in functioning coaching classes in its objective to perform better. In an interview with our portal, Sachin Karnavat, President of MCOA, shares his insights to APN News on it.

Q. As digital media is booming with lots of online education company is coming up, how MCOA will tackle this cut-throat competition?

A.Technology is something which you cannot stop, for being in a race we are asking class owners to become more techno-savvy and try to implement technology which are must require in order to enhance the teaching. Apart from class teaching, we also do virtual class so in case if any student could not attend the class then they can go through these videos. Virtual education will supplement or complement classroom teaching & add value
Q. How does MCOA makes ensure that all coaching classes functioning better without indulging in any malpractice?

A.We have a charter, which is to be followed by all coaching classes who are our members. It includes that no class owner can involve in any paper leak matter and a particular topper cannot be advertised by two classes. These are the ways, we try to make sure that classes maintain the decorum and don’t do any unethical practices. School / College teacher cannot be a class owner.

Q. There were reports of uniform fee structure for the coaching classes, what is your take on it?
A. Implementing a uniform fee structure is impossible and it cannot be standardized. There are so many parameters which restrict in applying it and also if it gets executed then it will impact the quality of education.

Q. What is your take on coaching classes paying 18 percent GST?
A. In a restaurant, the government is charging 5% GST compare to coaching classes but my question is, are the restaurants more important than education? Why there is a step-motherly treatment to education? So 18 percent GST is a big burden.

Q. What steps you have taken to reduce it?
A. We have written a letter to the Revenue Secretary, Education minister & Chief Minister but so far we have not received any response.

Q. What if the government does not agree to it?
A. We will keep our fight on education is one sector govt. should subsidize & not look at revenue generation

Q.There has been an accusation that coaching classes charge high fees, how do you counter it?

A. Yes, I do agree there are few classes are charging higher fees but 90 percent are not doing so. In every professor you have 5 to 10% charging higher fees.