China to launch inspection on after-school training institutions

BEIJING - A State Council office overseeing education has ordered a special inspection on after-school training institutions during the summer vacation, the Ministry of Education said Friday.

The office asked local education departments to enhance coordination with departments of market regulation, fire control, civil affairs, human resources and police in conducting the inspection, said a ministry statement on its website.

After-school training institutions will face severe punishment if they are caught violating government rules, the statement said.

Local education departments were also told to thoroughly review and record the programs provided by the institutions about subjects that are taught in normal schools.

"Those that teach the school curricula in advance will be ordered to correct it, and if they refuse will face punishment up to the withdrawal of certificates," the statement said.

The ministry welcomed the public to report irregularities and malpractice in any institutions.

The government has launched several rounds of inspection on after-school training institutions since 2018, trying to curb extracurricular programs that put children under too much pressure and cause unnecessary competition among students.

Although notable progress has been made, new problems are emerging and some local authorities have left weak spots, the ministry said.