Mumbai: City International School in Oshiwara, whose abrupt closure left nearly 600 students in the lurch, is now facing allegations that it took Rs 40,000 per student as 'donation' in 2019 after promising education till Class 10.
MP Ravindra Waikar raised the issue in a letter to the school education department last week. Deputy director of education Rajesh Kankal said the charges are being examined. School administrator Gaurav Bhagwat denied the allegations.
The school's sudden shutdown has caused distress among parents and students, with many left scrambling for alternatives mid-academic year. The alleged donation was collected under the pretext of securing long-term education for students up to Class 10. However, the school failed to honor its commitment, leading to the current crisis.
Education department officials have assured a thorough investigation into the matter. 'We are examining the charges and will take appropriate action if any wrongdoing is found,' said Deputy Director Rajesh Kankal.
Meanwhile, school administrator Gaurav Bhagwat has refuted the allegations, calling them baseless. 'The school has always followed all norms and regulations. These accusations are unfounded,' he stated.
The incident has sparked a debate on the regulation of private schools in Maharashtra, with parents demanding stricter oversight to prevent such occurrences in the future. The education department has urged affected parents to come forward with their complaints.
