The Mumbai police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the principals, secretaries, and directors of 35 primary schools operating without recognition within the jurisdiction of the Shivaji Nagar police station in Govandi. This action follows a complaint lodged by a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) education official.
Background of the Crackdown
During a comprehensive review for the academic year 2025-26, the education department discovered that a total of 164 primary schools across Mumbai were functioning without the required authorisation. Among these, 35 schools are located within the limits of the Shivaji Nagar police station. The authorities have issued notices to these institutions, along with their principals and secretaries, directing them to cease operations immediately. The schools have also been asked to provide explanations for their unauthorised status within a period of seven days.
List of Notable Schools Involved
Several schools have been named in the FIR, including Blue Angels English School in Baiganwadi, Citizen English Primary School, Shri Shivajirao Salve Primary School in Govandi, and Sana Urdu Primary School in Shivajinagar. The education department has emphasised that operating without recognition is a serious violation of the state's education regulations.
Legal and Administrative Actions
The FIR has been filed under relevant sections of the law pertaining to unauthorised educational institutions. The BMC education official who filed the complaint stated that such schools not only compromise the quality of education but also pose risks to student safety. The police are now investigating the matter, and further legal proceedings are expected to follow. The authorities have urged parents to verify the recognition status of schools before enrolling their children.
This crackdown is part of a broader initiative by the BMC to ensure that all educational institutions in Mumbai comply with mandatory recognition norms. The education department has warned that similar actions will be taken against other unauthorised schools operating in different parts of the city.
