250 Unauthorised Schools Operating in Maharashtra, MLA Raises Alarm in Legislature Session
In a startling revelation during the state legislature session on Tuesday, Legislative Council MLA Pragya Satav highlighted that as many as 250 unauthorised schools are operating across the state, despite having a Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) code. This has raised serious concerns about the future of nearly 39,000 students and 1,500 teachers associated with these institutions.
Education Minister Dada Bhuse responded to the issue by stating that the government has already initiated action against such schools. He informed the House that a special campaign led by the education commissioner has taken action against 135 unauthorised schools so far. Fines have been collected from 36 schools, while criminal cases have been filed against 99 others.
Bhuse further emphasized that schools failing to meet the criteria under the Right to Education (RTE) Act will be shut down. “Action has been directed against such schools under Section 18(5) of the RTE Act. Schools that existed before 2013 will be examined based on the provisions of the Government Resolution dated March 10, 2010, and the Maharashtra Self-Financed (Establishment and Regulation) Schools Act, 2012,” he said.
The issue has sparked widespread concern among parents and educators, as the operation of unauthorised schools not only compromises the quality of education but also puts the future of thousands of students at risk. The government’s crackdown aims to ensure that all schools adhere to the necessary standards and regulations, safeguarding the interests of students and teachers alike.
