The Uttarakhand education department has cracked down on dozens of unregistered schools operating in the state, issuing formal notices to 69 such institutions in the Rudraprayag district alone. The action came after a routine verification drive exposed that these schools lacked the mandatory legal documents required to function.
State-Wide Ultimatum Issued
In response to the findings, the department has issued a stern 15-day ultimatum to the owners of all unregistered schools across Uttarakhand. They must now comply with the official guidelines for operating an educational institution or face severe consequences. State secondary education director Mukul Kumar Sati emphasized that registration is a fundamental mandate under the Right to Education Act, especially for schools covering pre-primary up to Class 8, which describes the majority of the flagged institutions.
Officials warned that schools failing to meet the guidelines within the deadline could be penalized with a fine of Rs 1 lakh. Director Sati stated clearly, "It is imperative for all schools to register themselves as mandated under the law, or else they will be punished and may also be considered for complete shutdown." The department also discovered that some small local schools had shut down long ago but had not formally unenrolled from official records.
Statewide Scrutiny for Private Schools
Alarmed that 69 schools in a relatively small district like Rudraprayag were operating without proper registration, the education department has expanded its scrutiny. On Monday, it directed all CBSE and ICSE-affiliated private schools across Uttarakhand's 13 districts to submit their registration certificates and other requisite documents online for verification.
Chief education officers have been instructed to conduct regular inspections and take strict action against any school found flouting the laws. The comprehensive communication signed by Director Sati outlined 17 key points that schools must adhere to. These norms cover not just mandatory registration, but also critical areas like school fee regulation, the implementation of a bagless day, and a 10% seat reservation for students from the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories.
Broader Implications for School Compliance
This drive underscores the state government's focus on enforcing educational standards and legal compliance. The move aims to ensure that every school operating in Uttarakhand provides a standardized, recognized education as per the Right to Education Act. Parents and guardians are advised to verify the registration status of their children's schools to ensure they are sending them to legally recognized institutions.
The next few weeks will be crucial as the deadline approaches, determining whether the non-compliant schools align with the law or face financial penalties and potential closure.
