NMMC declares list of 22 unrecognised schools in city

CBD BELAPUR: Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has announced it annual list of unrecognised primary schools under its jurisdiction for the academic 2016-17.

This year there are 22 schools in the list, which have not received requisite permission from the authorities.

The schools that have not been recognised either by the state government or the local authority or that have not been given the no-objection Certificate or those schools whose recognition is cancelled are declared as unauthorized schools by the authorities.

Of the 22 illegally run schools, one is Marathi medium, one Hindi medium and the rest 20 schools have English as the medium of teaching.

A majority of the schools have been declared illegal by the civic body for the past several years, but they continue to function.

NMMC has sent notices to the illegally-run schools, asking them to stop operation, warning of strict action.

Amrish Patnigere, deputy municipal commissioner, said “Every year, the education department issues list of unrecognized schools in its jurisdiction. We have released the list in the interest of residents.”

He added, “This is done to ensure that parents check the legal status of the school before they enroll their kids. They are advised not to admit their children

to these schools.”

Patnigere said, “The parents will be responsible for the consequences and the loss that their children will suffer due to admission to these schools.”

Clarifying that some of the schools have applied for recognition, Patnigere said, “Some of these institutions have applied to the state government for approval and are awaiting a response to their application. “

“Hence, we have not taken any strict action against them as yet. But if their application is rejected then immediate action will be taken as per the rules,”

he said.

Explained the education officer, “From April 1, 2010, the Right To Education Act of the state government has been implemented. It clearly lists the rules and regulations for the schools in the state.”

Naikwadi added, “The law stipulates that the management of the unauthorised schools will be fined Rs1 lakh. And those that refuse to shut despite notices will have to pay a fine of Rs10,000 per day. The government has also directed that a police complaint be lodged in such cases.”