Pune: Orchid International School Chinchwad has come under scrutiny for continuing operations without the required government approval since 2022.
Following a complaint lodged with the Municipal Corporation's Primary Education Department, the school now faces a hefty fine of ₹10,000 for each day it has operated illegally.
The Education Department has issued a show-cause notice to the school, demanding a written explanation within three days.
The Municipal Corporation's Primary Education Department has received directives from the Education Commissioner, Director of Education, and Deputy Director of Education to take action against unauthorized schools as per the provisions of the Right to Education Act.
These actions include closing the school, imposing fines, filing FIRs as necessary, imposing financial penalties on the school's property records, publishing news of the school's unauthorized status in newspapers, and making proper arrangements for students in other schools.
Fine Not Yet Paid
According to the report from the divisional supervisor, Orchid International School in Chinchwad has been operating without government approval.
The school management had previously been issued a notice and fined for continuing operations without approval. However, the management has yet to pay the fine into the government treasury, which is considered a violation of administrative procedures and school regulations.
Advocate Umesh Khandare, Vice President of NSUI, had lodged a complaint with the Municipal Corporation regarding this matter.
What Do the Government Rules Say?
According to Section 18(5) of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, any person who establishes or runs a school without obtaining a certificate of recognition, or continues to operate a school after recognition has been withdrawn, is liable to a fine of up to ₹1 lakh. If the unauthorized school continues to operate, a daily fine of up to ₹10,000 can be imposed.
What Does the Notice Say?
The notice issued by Administrative Officer Sangeeta Bangar to Orchid International School states that the school has been operating without government approval since the 2022 academic year.
The notice requires the school to provide a written explanation, along with necessary documents, within three days as to why a fine of ₹10,000 per day should not be imposed, in accordance with the government resolution dated June 19, 2010.
Failure to respond will result in action being taken against the school under the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.