PCMC Cracks Down on Illegal Schools: 11 Shut, 6 Granted Approval
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has taken strict action against unauthorised schools, shutting down 11 institutions that failed to meet the required criteria. Meanwhile, six schools have received official approval, and five have been issued letters of intent, according to Maharashtra School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse.
During the state legislature session, the issue of illegal schools operating across Maharashtra was raised as a starred question. In response, Minister Bhuse revealed that as per the Education Commissioner’s letter dated July 18, 2023, a total of 661 unauthorised schools were identified across the state. Over the past two years, the government has shut down 117 such schools as part of a special drive.
In Thane district, authorities identified 88 unauthorised schools—64 primary and 24 secondary. Legal action has been initiated against 41 of them, and education officers are in the process of closing them down. In Latur district, fines have been imposed on illegal schools as per regulations.
Minister Bhuse clarified that periodic instructions have been issued to take action against unauthorised schools. Institutions established before 2013 that comply with the 2010 Government Resolution (GR) and the Maharashtra Self-Financed Schools Act, 2012, are being inspected, with proposals underway for their approval. Schools set up after 2013 are being assessed based on legal provisions, and those failing to meet the necessary criteria are being shut down. Students from closed schools are being accommodated in nearby institutions to ensure continuity in their education.
