The Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority warns the three education consultancy and placement firms that were issued suspension notices on Friday that any further breach during the suspension period will result in immediate deregistration. The authority said the suspension notices were issued after serving several warnings for breaching guidelines. Moreover, the authority said the firms failed to give proper explanations for the breaches even after being called for discussions.
According to the authority, these firms: EducationPro, Middle Path and Smart-V have a history of cumulative non-compliance issues over the years. They had previously received non-compliance notices, warning that further breaches could lead to suspension or deregistration.
However, according to the authority, the firms repeatedly breached the Guidelines for Education Consultancy And Placement Firms 2021.
The authority said despite being called for discussions and given opportunities to justify, they were unable to provide a concrete justification to the authority.
Regarding the clients, the authority has provided ten working days to process applications for those who have already started their application process with the firms.
The authority said it will immediately deregister the firms if they commit any further breach of the provisions of the Guidelines for Education Consultancy and Placement Firms 2021 during the suspension period.
Moreover, the authority urges students and parents to reach out to the office if they feel services are being compromised by such firms through its social media accounts and email.
It also urges all other education consultancy firms in the country to adhere to existing regulations, which were developed and thoroughly communicated in consultation with them.
Additionally, the authority stressed that firms must work in the interest of their clients and that such non-compliance will not be tolerated.
Kelzang Chhophyel and Devika Pradhan
Edited by Kipchu
