250 Unauthorised Schools in Maharashtra Put Students’ Future at Risk
250 Unauthorised Schools in Maharashtra Put Students’ Future at Risk
As many as 250 unauthorized schools are operating across Maharashtra, despite having a Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) code. This has put the future of around 39,000 students studying in these schools at risk.
The issue was raised by Legislative Council MLA Pragya Satav during the ongoing state legislature session on Tuesday.
Following this, State Education Minister Dada Bhuse informed the House that an order had been issued to inspect these unauthorized schools. There are about 1,500 teachers working in these schools.
“Action has been directed against such schools under Section 18(5) of the Right to Education (RTE) Act,” Bhuse said. He added that a special campaign is being run under the jurisdiction of the education commissioner.
“So far, action has been taken against 135 schools. Fines have been collected from 36 schools. Criminal cases have been filed against 99 schools. Instructions have also been given to shut down schools that fail to meet the criteria laid down under the RTE Act,” Bhuse informed the House.
Bhuse further said that schools established before 2013 will be examined as per the provisions of the Government Resolution (GR) dated March 10, 2010. These schools will also be scrutinized under the Maharashtra Self-Financed (Establishment and Regulation) Schools Act, 2012.
The government has warned that strict action will be taken against schools that do not follow the norms. Authorities have also assured that the future of students studying in these unauthorized schools will be safeguarded.
The move comes as part of the government’s efforts to improve the quality and credibility of schools in the state. The inspections are expected to be completed soon.
