Karnataka: Time-bound deadline given to shut unauthorized schools

Reshma Ravishanker

The commissioner of the department of public instruction has slammed deputy directors of public instruction for dereliction of duty in identifying and addressing the issue of unauthorized schools functioning in the state.

In an official reminder to the deputy directors, the commissioner, department of public instruction has not only issued a stern warning but also given a time-based deadline within which a status update must be submitted. Failing to do so by August 16 will be considered a lapse on their part and disciplinary action would be initiated.

It may be recollected that in April, June and July, reminders were sent to DDPIs asking them to serve notices, seek a status update and ensure action against 1,300 schools that were functioning in an unauthorized manner by May 25.

However, the department only received responses from 16 districts. The reminder on August 9 expresses that negligence towards the future of children while failing to act upon these schools while also issuing media statements on the same has “caused embarrassment” to the department.

The onus for any unauthorized schools functioning in their respective educational districts across Karnataka will now lie with the deputy directors.

The 1,300 schools were either functioning without authorization from the state, taught in a different medium of instruction, had an unauthorized number of sections or courses or had moved a campus without seeking permission from the department.

CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS

Schools functioning without necessary mandates as under sections 31 and 30 of the Karnataka Education Act 1983 must be ordered shut by August 14. A newspaper publication must be issued in this regard and a public notice is to be given to inform parents and students. Despite checks by the deputy directors, should complaints be received by the department about the unauthorized functioning of schools, deputy directors will be held responsible.

Should schools found having unauthorized sections, be following central syllabus while having permission to teach state syllabus only, following a different medium of instruction, change of campus without intimation, operating central and state syllabus classes out of the same campus or following a different curriculum, action is to be taken against them before August 14.