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UT to name and shame unrecognised schools

CHANDIGARH:After dilly-dallying on the grave issue of shutting down unrecognised schools for the past three years, the UT Education Department has finally decided to name and shame these schools through advertisements so that parents beware of such schools.

UT to name and shame unrecognised schools

One of the unrecognised schools in Dadu Majra, Chandigarh. Tribune photo



Naina Mishra
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 30

After dilly-dallying on the grave issue of shutting down unrecognised schools for the past three years, the UT Education Department has finally decided to name and shame these schools through advertisements so that parents beware of such schools.

This was decided at a meeting held by UT Adviser Manoj Parida today.

The Education Department is, however, of the view that the recognition conditions should be relaxed, but without compromising on safety aspects such as fire safety, ventilation, handrails, ramps for the physically challenged and safe buildings.

Three conditions — land allotment certificate, occupation certificate from the Estate Office and permission to use land for school purposes — are not fulfilled by the unrecognised schools. These conditions may be relaxed for recognition. 

The Adviser stated that information would be submitted in a file indicating the number of students studying in these schools and classes where the students could be adjusted in case of closure of these schools.

A notice would be issued in local newspapers to create awareness among parents of students studying in these schools, said Parida.

The unrecognised schools have been playing havoc with students’ safety as these have been running from small compounds such as shops, rented rooms and residential houses in a dilapidated condition. These schools are not walled and guarded, which is the primary condition for recognition.

In some schools, the staff are not well-equipped to impart learning to students. Teachers are not adequately qualified as per the norms of the government.

An amount of Rs 12,00,00,000 is being charged from these 20,000 students, which is not justifiable as these schools cannot guarantee a secure career without recognition. Most of these schools are in Dhanas, Maloya, Hallo Majra, Mauli Jagran, Dadu Majra, Khuda Ali Sher and Khuda Lahora.

Schools compromising on safety to face closure

Through inspections conducted by the department, it has come to the fore that of the 120 unrecognised schools, only 65 have applied for recognition, while 55 others want to run the business by duping students. The department will take stern action against schools who have not applied for recognition and these may face closure.

24 may get recognition

As per preliminary reports of inspections, 24 unrecognised schools are being shortlisted for recognition, while others are running with impunity and lack safety measures and do not meet other conditions.

Issue was raised by MP

The issue of unrecognised schools wa raised by MP Kirron Kher in the Lok Sabha in 2015. In 2016, the department identified 95 schools, but only 65 of these sougth recognition. Inspection panels were formed, which initially recommended seven schools for recognition, but nothing came out of it. 

Mandatory recognition norms which these schools lack

  • Institution not segregated, walled or guarded
  • Stairs and ramps not wide enough for evacuation in case of an emergency
  • Ramps and toilets not available for differently abled students, leaving them at receiving end
  • Schools not accessible by fire brigade
  • No fire hydrants located nearby
  • No first aid boxes available in these schools
  • No windows in most of the classrooms
  • Classrooms not airy enough, lack ventilation
  • No arrangements for clean drinking water
  • Liquor shops situated around schools
  • No playgrounds
  • No computer labs 
  • Lack adequate number of classrooms

Total schools Over 120  

Student strength 20,000

Annual fee charged per child Rs 4000 to Rs 6000 

Total fee earned Rs 12 crore

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