On Thursday, the Himachal Pradesh government notified the Himachal Pradesh Private Coaching Centres (Registration and Regulation) Rules, 2026, aiming to regulate private coaching institutes and enhance student mental health. The new rules, approved by the Governor, follow a Supreme Court judgment affirming mental health as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Coaching centres must now register with the government, with a registration fee of ₹50,000 valid for three years. Violations can lead to penalties ranging from ₹50,000 for first offences to ₹2 lakh for repeat violations. Centres with over 100 students are required to implement mental health policies and provide structured career counseling by qualified professionals. Additionally, the rules mandate the installation of CCTV, separate toilets, and grievance redressal systems, while ensuring a safe environment free from harassment and substance abuse. The government will establish the Himachal Pradesh Private Coaching Centres (Registration and Regulation) Authority to oversee compliance and monitoring, ensuring that institutions adhere to the new standards and safeguard students’ interests.