100 unrecognised pvt schools in Ggn may shut soon

Gurugram: The Department of Education of Gurugram district has sent notices to over 100 unrecognised schools and asked their management to provide all relevant documents on March 28, so that they can be registered.

The circular further states that these schools should not entertain any new admissions before getting registered.

If these schools do not comply, they are very likely to be shut down, which will add to woes of parents whose children are studying in these schools.

Recently, parents of over 300 students studying in Global High School in Gurugram's Sector-57 held a protest over the school management announcing its abrupt closure after termination of its license.

For some time now, the Education Department has issued ultimatum to over 200 unlicensed private schools and extended their term for a year, with most of these institutions being operational since 2007.

The economic growth of Gurugram, over the years, has resulted not only in mushrooming of educational institutions, but also a steep hike high in demand for admissions.

According to aggrieved parents and education activists, most of these schools – citing their lack of registration – are not only flouting building norms and increasing their classroom sizes, but also charging exorbitant fee.

Moreover, at a time when safety of the children within school premises has become a serious issue in the district, most of these schools have been found wanting in providing adequate safety measures.

There have also been grievances that almost all private schools are not in compliance with the Right to Education law by not admitting students of economically weaker sections.

"We really hope that public agencies really rein in these schools, because the lack of action by authorities has resulted in these schools now running an education mafia, where middle class parents are financially exploited who they do not have any option. It is a pity that 20 private schools have the audacity to even dictate terms even to the government," said Mahima Yadav, an aggrieved parent.

The state of affairs of Gurugram's education system has resulted in most parents getting their children admitted in schools of Delhi.