Drive to shut unrecognised schools loses momentum after DEO’s transfer

The much-hyped campaign launched by the district education officer (primary) in April-May against schools mushrooming in the city without following the Right to Education (RTE) Act guidelines has lost steam.

The drive had begun with great enthusiasm and show-cause notices were served to nearly 40 schools. Of these, about half a dozen were ordered to shut down operations immediately as these were being run from private homes without adhering to any norms.

However, the department today remains clueless about the current status of these institutions—whether these are still operational, have shut down or complied with the RTE guidelines—as the then DEO (Primary) Ravinder Kaur was transferred out.

According to the available information, notices were served to schools that either had no board affiliation or were violating RTE norms.

Deputy DEO Manoj Kumar admitted that notices had been issued but expressed ignorance about the present status of the schools.

Similarly, Major Singh, legal advisor, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, also claimed unawareness, stating, “We were waiting for the new DEO to join, but if the post remains vacant, we will take up the matter with the officiating DEO (Primary), Dimple Madan. To the best of my knowledge, a few schools were ordered to shut, but we will check their present status.”

Sources in the department revealed that four to five such schools were operating out of small houses and charging fees, despite having no affiliation with any recognised board.