Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation Cracks Down On 18 Unauthorised Primary Schools; Plans Student Transfers To Recognised Institutions

Mumbai: The Bhiwandi-Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNMC) has identified 18 unauthorised primary schools operating without government approval and initiated decisive action against them. In an official notice, the administration urged parents to refrain from enrolling their children in these institutions to prevent any disruption to their education.

As part of the crackdown, the municipal authorities have disconnected the water supply to these schools and proposed measures to address associated illegal constructions. Notices for punitive action have been served, and criminal proceedings against those responsible are expected to follow shortly.

To safeguard the affected students' educational journey, arrangements are being made to transfer them to nearby recognised schools. The Corporation has also publicly released the names and locations of the unauthorised schools to ensure greater awareness among parents and guardians.

The issue of unrecognised educational institutions is not confined to Bhiwandi alone. According to 2024 data, Mumbai has 127 such private primary schools, enrolling approximately 21,751 students and employing 885 teachers. Education experts have stressed the importance of publicly displaying information about unrecognised schools and ensuring that affected students are moved to government-aided institutions to continue their studies without interruption.

This action mirrors previous efforts by the Thane Municipal Corporation, which had earlier taken steps against 81 unauthorised schools, resulting in police complaints and the registration of 68 cases, with proceedings underway for the remaining 13.

Uttam Sawant, President of the Thane unit of the Maharashtra English School Trustees Association, highlighted that many of the unauthorised schools initially began as private tuition centres before evolving into full-fledged institutions, circumventing regulatory oversight. “We have been raising concerns about these schools for a long time. Finally, the municipal corporation has taken concrete action,” he remarked.

Sawant further revealed that more than 18,000 students have been enrolled in unauthorised schools across the region over the years. With closures now imminent, efforts are being made to ensure the smooth transfer of all affected students to recognised educational institutions.

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