The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Zilla Parishad (ZP) has directed all private aided, unaided, and self-financed secondary and higher secondary schools in the district to complete financial, structural, and safety audits before June 15. The order, issued on the instructions of ZP CEO Minnu PM, warns of administrative action for non-compliance.
Scope of the Directive
This directive will bring approximately 1,307 private schools under scrutiny. Officials have confirmed that inspection teams have already been formed to verify audit records and compliance across institutions. The move aims to ensure transparency and accountability in private educational institutions.
Audit Requirements
ZP education officer (secondary) Ashwini Lathkar emphasized that schools must be fully prepared for inspections. “When the designated team visits a school, school authorities must ensure that there is no negligence in producing the necessary documents, certificates, and records,” she said.
The financial audits will examine the utilization of government grants, account records, expenditure statements, salary disbursal, and fee collection details. Structural audits will assess building safety certificates, classroom conditions, laboratories, toilets, fire safety systems, emergency exits, and basic student facilities. Safety audits will focus on measures such as CCTV surveillance, deployment of security guards, and disaster management preparedness.
Parental Response
While ZP-run schools are regularly audited, the move to bring private institutions under similar review has been welcomed by parents. “Private schools often consider themselves immune to the law of the land. It is good that the ZP administration is trying to rein in private schools. We hope authorities take action against private schools that exhibit shortcomings in different audits,” said a parent, requesting anonymity.
The ZP has warned that failure to comply with the audit deadline will result in administrative action, which could include penalties or other measures. Schools are advised to complete all audits promptly and maintain proper records for inspection.
