The education department of the Pune Zilla Parishad is taking strict action against unauthorised schools in the district. Recently, the department issued ‘shut down’ notices to 16 institutions, including Sri Sri Ravishankar School, for violating rules and operating without proper authorization.
According to reports, Sri Sri Ravishankar School had obtained approval for its location in Navi Peth but started operating in Bhugaon instead. This violation prompted the authorities to take action against the school.
In response, the school authorities have clarified that they adhere to government norms and have submitted the required documents to the education department.
K D Bhujbal, the group education officer of Pune ZP, stated that most of the unauthorised schools in question are affiliated with the CBSE Board. The education department has initiated a drive to close down these institutions after verifying their required documents, such as approval certificates, no-objection certificates, and affiliation certificates from the state and other boards. A special team of education officers has been appointed to carry out this task.
Smita Rane, the principal of Sri Sri Ravishankar School in Bhugaon, confirmed that they received a notice from the Pune ZP education department. However, they promptly submitted the necessary documents through the group education officer, assuring compliance with government rules, including the Right to Education (RTE). Rane also informed parents about the ongoing process through email, urging them not to panic.
Out of the 53 unauthorised schools in the Pune district, 37 have already been shut down, and FIRs have been filed against four educational institutions. Mulshi taluka has the highest number of unauthorised schools in the district.
Apart from the State Board, the unauthorised schools include institutions affiliated with other educational boards, such as IGCSE, ICSE, IB, and CBSE.
Among the 217 newly opened schools in the district, 12 are operating illegally. Forty-two schools are functioning without no-objection certificates, while 42 have not updated their affiliation status. Four schools have not submitted the required documents, and their files are currently awaiting approval in the education ministry office.
Although these schools have started functioning without official approval, measures are being taken to take legal action against them.
Some schools have government approval but have relocated to different locations without informing the relevant authorities. Notices have been issued to such schools as well.
The 16 unauthorised schools that have received ‘shut down’ notice include Vidyarthi Vichar Pratishthan, K K International School, Betwadi, (unauthorised migration), Sri Sai Balaji Public School, Dattawadi, Nere, Mulshi (notice from CBSE, zilla Parishad and panchayat samiti level, Srinath English Medium School, (Purandar Gairaan land encroachment and mutual relocation of schools), Periwinkle English School, Pirangut, Mulshi, (unauthorized migration), Elite International School, Pirangut, Mulshi, CBSE (unauthorized migration), Shri Vidya Bhavan High School and Jr College, Mulshi, State Board (unauthorized migration), Rudiment International School, Mulshi CBSE (unlicensed school), Bliss Dundee International School, Mulshi, Sudarshan Vidyamandir, Mulshi, State Board (unauthorized migration), Sanskar Primary School, Mulshi, State Board(unauthorized migration), Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Bhugaon, Mulshi, CBSE, Alai Public School, CBSE (Class 6th to 12th not permitted by govt), GG International School, Maruji, CBSE (file submitted for school permission), Gyandeep English Medium School, Khed, Rajya Mandal (new school with pending procedures), Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Primary Secondary School, Darshan area, Kelgaon, Alandi, Rajya Mandal (unauthorised migration).
