Chandigarh Admn begins inspection of 78 unrecognised schools

In a long-awaited move, the Chandigarh Administration has initiated inspections of 78 unrecognised schools operating across the city, which have a total of 12,152 children.

The decision follows a meeting between representatives of the Sarvhara Education Welfare Association (SEWA) and Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, where the association pressed for early recognition of these schools, many of which have been functioning for over 25-30 years.

The association argued that most schools now comply with structural and safety norms, and urged inspections to clear the way for official recognition. Responding to the demand, Kataria ordered immediate inspections of all such schools so that recognition could be granted to those fulfilling the required standards.

Acting on his directive, UT Education Secretary Prerna Puri constituted a multi-departmental committee comprising representatives of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Chief Engineer, Chief Architect and the Municipal Corporation’s Fire Department.

“This is the first time such an exercise is being carried out in Chandigarh,” confirmed Director School Education Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar, calling it a crucial step for both students and staff who, otherwise, face uncertainty over the legitimacy of their institutions.

He told The Tribune that the committee would inspect schools after they submit compliance reports by September 30, and will record findings under the Right to Education (RTE) Act and the Punjab Education Code.

This is the first time such an exercise is being carried out in Chandigarh, despite repeated demands from school operators and parents. The outcome will be crucial not only for students, who risk their education being invalidated, but also for the hundreds of teachers and staff who work in these institutions.

In its memorandum, SEWA has warned that any delay could lead to unrest among parents, staff and students, but pledged cooperation with the recognition process. “A favourable decision will secure the future of 12,000 children and thousands of families who depend on these schools,” the association stated.

Hailing the move, the association hoped that with the inspection process formally set in motion, there is renewed optimism that uncertainty surrounding Chandigarh’s unrecognised schools for a long time may finally be resolved.

About “recognition” of a school

Recognition is the formal approval granted by the government/education department to a school to function legally. It ensures that the institution meets prescribed standards of infrastructure, teachers’ qualifications, safety norms, curriculum and complies with education laws.

What is required

Broadly, recognition requires:

Adequate land and building as per norms (classrooms, toilets, drinking water, playground, safety measures).

Qualified teaching staff with prescribed teacher-student ratio.

Affiliation to a recognised education board (state/CBSE/ICSE, etc.).

Compliance with Right to Education (RTE) Act norms (such as free seats for weaker sections in private schools).

Proper registration under the Societies Act/Trust Act if privately managed.

What the law says about unrecognised schools

Running a school without recognition is illegal.

Under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, such schools can be ordered to shut down.

The management can face penalties, including fines (which may increase with continued violation).

Parents are advised to check the recognition status, as certificates issued by unrecognised schools are often not valid for admissions to higher classes.

Spread across 17 localities

78 schools under inspection

Spread across 17 localities

12,152 students enrolled

Hundreds of teachers/staff employed

First-ever recognition drive in

25-30 years

DRIVE TO BENEFIT 12K STUDENTS: KATARIA

"Recognition will secure the future of 12,000 children and safeguard the livelihoods of hundreds of teachers," said Gulab Chand Kataria, Punjab Governor-cum-UT Administrator