Pune Division Reports 63 Unauthorised Schools, Maharashtra Govt Identifies 487 Illegal Institutions Across State
Pune Division Reports 63 Unauthorised Schools, Maharashtra Govt Identifies 487 Illegal Institutions Across State
Pune, May 11, 2026: The Maharashtra Education Department has identified nearly 487 unauthorised schools operating across the state, with the highest number reported from the Mumbai division, according to information shared by Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh on Saturday.
Officials said action has already been initiated against several institutions functioning without government approval. So far, 76 schools have been shut down, while criminal cases have been registered against 111 institutions. Penal action has been initiated against 325 schools, though fines have been successfully recovered in only 16 cases.
The Mumbai division recorded the highest number of unauthorised schools, with 389 institutions found operating illegally. Authorities have closed 59 of these schools and lodged FIRs against 96 institutions. Penalties were imposed on 310 schools, but recovery of fines has been completed in only five cases so far.
In the Pune division, authorities identified 63 unauthorised schools. Of these, 11 schools have been shut down, cases have been filed against seven institutions, and penalties have been recovered from 10 schools.
Data released by the education department also showed that despite the presence of unauthorised schools in the Nashik, Kolhapur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisions, action against several institutions in these regions is still pending.
Speaking on the ongoing crackdown, Singh said the department’s data on illegal schools was collected nearly two months ago, and some institutions may have completed the approval process since then.
“Strict action will continue against unauthorised schools. District-level inspections will be intensified, and stronger efforts will be made to prevent academic losses for students,” Singh said.
The education department is also planning to publish updated lists of unauthorised schools twice a year to help parents avoid enrolling children in such institutions. Municipal corporations and district authorities may also be asked to display these lists on their official websites to create wider public awareness.
