The future of around 200 students hangs in the balance as the Alpine Top School in Ratia, Fatehabad, has been directed to cease operations. The District Education Department has issued a formal order for the school's closure, citing significant regulatory failures as the primary cause.
Official Order and Key Violations
According to the official directive, the school management has been instructed to shut down the institution immediately. The order explicitly states that the school cannot admit students for the upcoming 2024-25 academic session or any subsequent sessions. This drastic action stems from the school's inability to secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Haryana government, a fundamental requirement for its operation.
Furthermore, the school's crucial affiliation with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has reportedly expired and was not renewed. Operating a school without valid CBSE affiliation and the mandatory state NOC constitutes a serious breach of educational regulations, leaving the authorities with little choice but to enforce closure.
Impact on Students and Community
The sudden shutdown has created a wave of anxiety and confusion among the families of the approximately 200 students enrolled at Alpine Top School. Parents are now faced with the urgent and difficult task of finding alternative educational institutions for their children mid-session. The local community in Ratia is grappling with the repercussions, as the closure disrupts the academic continuity of a significant number of young learners.
Education officials have emphasized that the decision was made in strict adherence to the rules governing private schools in Haryana. The primary objective is to ensure that students receive education only in recognized and properly affiliated institutions that meet the prescribed standards of infrastructure, curriculum, and governance.
The Path Forward and Official Stance
The District Education Department has made it clear that the management of Alpine Top School must comply with the closure order without delay. The department is likely to monitor the situation to ensure the directive is followed, preventing any further admissions or academic operations.
For the affected students, the department's advice is to seek admission in other nearby schools that possess valid recognition and affiliation. This incident serves as a critical reminder for parents to verify the credentials of educational institutions, including their CBSE affiliation status and state-issued NOC, before enrolling their children.
The case of Alpine Top School in Ratia underscores the ongoing efforts by education authorities in Haryana to regulate the private school sector strictly. It highlights the consequences for institutions that fail to comply with the essential legal and academic frameworks designed to safeguard the quality of education and the interests of students.
