NAGPUR: At least 37 schools (see box) in Nagpur district are under the education department scanner for being 'unrecognized'. Under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act every school, regardless of the board it is affiliated to, needs to be recognized by the state education department. Any school not having the official recognition, also known as the no-objection certificate (NOC), is an illegal entity and must be shut down.
Education officer (primary) for district Lalit Ramteke said, "Notices have been issued to all the 37 schools for closure." He however refused to give the date on when these letters were issued. "Off hand I do not know the dates as I am not in the office now, but can provide it later," said Ramteke whose recent action against a city school is raising many questions.
The primary education department is the authority for implementing RTE and its various norms. The education officer heading the department gives NOCs to all schools which have to be renewed every three years. The NOC is basically a way to ensure that quality infrastructure and basic amenities, as mandated by RTE, is present in the school.
Also, before starting a new school permission is mandatory from the education department even if the school intends to follow a different board. The education department has also learnt that many schools are advertising themselves as CBSE schools even though they do not have any affiliation. Sources say soon a special drive will be started to ensure that these schools comply with all norms.
Unrecognized schools in Nagpur district for academic session 2013-14 (*source: Zilla Parishad)
Twinkle Star Convent, Manewada
Success Point Convent, Dighori
WSSC Balak Mandir, Ajni
Elizabeth Convent, Seminary Hills
Sky Bird Convent, Yashodhara Nagar
Sky Bird Convent, Yadav Nagar
Saint Rinzai Public School, Binaki
Sky Bird Convent, Indora
Maniklal Gandhi Public School, Jaripatka
KGN Public School, Police Line Takli
Delhi Public Convent, Mankapur
Afsar English Primary School, Najaf Colony
Honey Convent, Nagsen Nagar
Shakuntala Public School, Nari
New Mount Convent, Sawargaon
Arvind Indo Public School, Narkhed
Adarsh Vidya Mandir, Kapsikhurd
Tatasthu English School, Beltarodi
Bright Star Convent, Salai Godhani
SN Public School, Godhani
Good Shepherd School, Gumthala
The Millenium School, Fetri
Wings Convent, Fetri
Vrunda Vidya Niketan, Butibori
Gurukul Public School, Butibori
Vasundhara ConventBazargaon
Trimurti Public School, Bazargaon
Gurukul Public School, Waddhamna
Gurukul Convent, Shubham Nagar
The Buddhist International School, Isasani
Little Engle Convent, Pandurang Nagar
UD Balokte Public School, Lokmanya Nagar
Brilliant English School, Wanadongri
Sai Convent, Takalghat
New Prerna Convent, Takalghat
Vrundavan Convent, Aaptur