The Government of Gujarat on September 03, 2026, issued the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (Amendment) Act, 2026, to further amend the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Act, 1972.
The following has been amended, namely:
• The amendment introduces separate definitions for government-aided private secondary and higher secondary schools and revises the definitions of unaided private schools. It recognises qualified and registered special educators and expands the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board’s powers concerning recruitment, qualifications, promotions, termination, conduct and discipline of teaching and non-teaching staff across registered aided and unaided private schools.
• The State Government’s reservation policy will apply to recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff in government-aided private schools, while qualifications and selection procedures will be prescribed through rules.
• The amendment also requires school management to follow prescribed appointment procedures, makes suspension of staff subject to ratification by an authorised Board officer within 45 days, and strengthens penalties for violations.
• The fine for making appointments contrary to the prescribed procedure under Section 41 is increased from ₹1,000 to ₹10 lakh, while the penalty under Section 42 is revised to imprisonment of one to two years, a fine of ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh, or both. The fine under Section 44 is increased from ₹1,000 to ₹20 lakh.
[GUJARAT BILL NO. 26 OF 2026]
