Lockdown spelt closure for 13 unrecognised schools in Chandigarh

Naina Mishra

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 8

A survey conducted under the District Education Officer and four principals has revealed that 13 schools, out of 91 unrecognised schools in the city closed down during the lockdown. Now, a fresh survey will be conducted by the Education Department to ascertain the current status of unrecognised schools.

There are more than 20,000 students enrolled at 91 unrecognised schools of Chandigarh. A majority of these schools are located in peripheral areas of the city such as Mauli Jagran, Maloya, Hallo Majra, Dadu Majra and Dhanas.

Last year, the department had chalked out a plan under which over 3,340 students from 37 unrecognised schools could be adjusted to full capacity in government schools of the city, while 15,899 students from 54 unrecognised schools would have been left out.

Committee formed

The department has now constituted a joint team to assess how these unrecognised schools can be recognised keeping in view the existing building bylaws and the provision of Right to Education (RTE) Act. Most of these schools are either playway or up to class V. An inter-departmental committee has been constituted and it will submit its report in the coming days.

The department has now constituted a joint team to assess how these unrecognised schools can be recognised keeping in view the existing building bylaws and the provision of Right to Education (RTE) Act. Most of these schools are either playway or up to class 5th. Due to the closure of the schools during the lockdown, visits could not be made earlier. An inter-departmental committee has been constituted and it will submit its report in the coming days. The issue related to unrecognised schools was discussed at a meeting of the Advisory Council.

The Education Department had previously “named and shamed” 91 unrecognised schools, along with their addresses, in the public domain. An inspection of these schools carried out by the department had revealed that they lacked fire safety measures, proper ventilation, playground, etc.

As per the preliminary reports of the inspections, 24 unrecognised schools were being shortlisted for recognition, while the others lack safety measures.

The issue of unrecognised schools in Chandigarh has been lingering on since 2015 when local MP Kirron Kher first highlighted the issue in Parliament. The department has conducted four or five inspections but never arrived at a solution. While the department will again carry fresh rounds of inspections, the fate of nearly 20,000 students hangs in the balance.