Mumbai: 218 schools in city face recognition revocation for RTE norm violations

Some of the 218 schools failed to renew recognition since 2016, while others applied after the deadline

The director of education (primary) has directed the deputy director of School Education (Mumbai) to inspect 218 schools lacking Right to Education (RTE) approval. Schools violating RTE norms may face recognition revocation, with a mandated action report to be submitted to various authorities, including the Child Rights Commission. The directive was issued in a letter dated January 11.

"The primary director has issued a letter to the Mumbai deputy director regarding 218 schools lacking RTE approval. Despite repeated complaints, the deputy director of school education and the BMC education office have neglected directives from the director of education as well as the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR), to submit the required action report," said Nitin Dalvi, from Maharashtra State Student Parents Teachers Federation.

Currently, these 218 schools have been operating without recognition for the past several years, having failed to get their extension renewed. The story was first reported by mid-day in its March 16, 2023 edition. Activists have criticised the state Education Department and BMC for failing to take appropriate action and have accused the civic Education Department of playing down the matter.

BMC data, disclosed under RTI in March 2023 to NGO Maharashtra Rajya Vidyarthi, Palak, Shikshak Mahasangh reveals that there are 218 private, unaided primary schools in Mumbai, including Anandilal Podar (Santacruz), Raje Shivaji (Dadar), St Michaels (Mahim), St Andrews primary (Bandra), St Aloysius (Santacruz), Alexandra girls (Fort), Gloria convent (Byculla), St Pius X (Nahur), Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Vidyalaya (Borivli), Rustomjee Troopers (Dahisar), and VPM's Vidya Mandir (Dahisar), that haven't got their RTE recognition approved.

Under RTE, 25 per cent of seats are reserved for socio-economically weaker sections, with schools offering free education and seeking reimbursement. Schools must adhere to 10 infrastructure standards, renew recognition every three years or face fines for non-compliance, including Rs 10,000 per day and a Rs 1 lakh penalty issued by the BMC.

Some of the 218 schools have failed to renew recognition since 2016, while others applied after the deadline, according to BMC officials. "Despite lacking mandatory documents and RTE recognition, the schools cannot be declared unauthorised," clarified Sandeep Sangave, the deputy director of school education, Mumbai, in August 2023.

Director of Education (primary) Sharad Gosavi, in his January 11, 2024 letter, said, "It is imperative to assess whether these 218 schools comply with the standards and norms outlined in Section 19 of the Act. If criteria aren't met, it is expected that the proposal for de-accreditation of these schools be submitted.

Gosavi, continuing in the letter, stressed on the administrative importance of timely reports and warned against violations. Dalvi expressed frustration over the education department's inaction despite repeated complaints about RTE approval since March 2023. "The apparent lack of response suggests a disregard for the safety and future of the students enrolled in this school. A legal notice has already been sent to the education department, and preparations for filing a public interest litigation (PIL) have been finalised. In the event of continued inaction, we are poised to submit a PIL in the Bombay High Court in February 2024." When contacted, Sangave said, "Yes, the letter by the directorate mentions informing the complainant about the action taken report. We will do as directed and follow all the rules."