Directorate gets tough with unrecognised schools in state

Tightening the noose around educational institutes being run in an unauthorised manner, the Directorate of School Education (DSE) has issued directions to officials to scan the districts and identify such educational institutes for action as per the RTE Act.

The DSE, in a letter to all District Education Officers and District Elementary Education Officers (DEEOs) in Haryana, issued directions against private schools, play-schools and remedial classes being run without permission.

An official in the Education Department said it had come to light that some schools were being run without recognition, which was a violation of the Act. In urban areas, Classes I to V were being run from play-schools against the norms, while some NGOs and foundations were running remedial classes like regular schools. The officials have been directed to ensure that no unrecognised school is in operation, action against classes 1 to 5 in play-schools, and closure of remedial classes being run during the school timings. The officials were also told to shift students of such schools to the nearest government schools.

“Earlier, 40 such primary and middle schools were identified in the district, and action has been taken against 19 schools, and unauthorised classes and schools have been discontinued. The remaining 20 schools are either play-schools or their matter is pending with the directorate. Directions have been issued to another school to discontinue unauthorised classes else a police complaint will be lodged,” Sudhir Kalra, DEEO, said.

Meanwhile, Saurab Kapoor, spokesman, Haryana Progressive Schools’ Conference (HPSC), said, “The directorate has issued orders against the schools being run in an unauthorised manner, and the HPSC also welcomes the move. All the schools must follow the norms. But at the same time, action should be taken against private coaching centres being run in cities during school timings against norms and without the required permission from the department.”

‘Report to be prepared within a week’

“The Block Education Officers and Cluster Resource Coordinators have been directed to scan their respective areas and present a report regarding unrecognised schools and centres. A complete report will be prepared within a week and sent to the higher authorities for further action. No unauthorised school will be allowed in the district and students will be shifted to the nearest government schools.” — Sudhir Kalra, District Elementary Education Officer

Haryana Tribune