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In a notice issued on April 17, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) ordered the closure of 164 schools across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region for failing to meet authorisation norms. These schools were operating without recognition from the state or civic authorities. Managements have been directed to assist parents in shifting students to recognised municipal or private schools.

Activist concern

Citizen activists have raised concerns over the large-scale closures, questioning how these schools were allowed to function for years. They have urged the authorities to consider an amnesty scheme to help such institutions regularise their status.

Transfer issues

Highlighting the challenges of student relocation, Nicholas Almeida, trustee of the Watchdog Foundation, said, “When it comes to student transfers, the availability of seats, curriculum differences, the medium of instruction, and social adjustment are all major concerns. Moreover, the plots allotted to school land are often given away for other purposes, which is why unauthorised institutions run rampant.” Additionally, the foundation raised concerns regarding the livelihoods of teachers affected by the closures.  

Official stand

When mid-day reached out to the BMC’s education department, officials stated that running an unauthorised school is illegal and jeopardises students’ futures. “We have advised managements and parents to seek admission in the nearest municipal or private schools, which will absorb these students. Illegal schools lack the safety, hygiene, and teaching standards mandated by the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Therefore, these institutions cannot be allowed to continue,” said Nisar Khan, deputy education officer (private schools). Of the 164 schools identified, 48 have approval for their secondary sections but lack authorisation for their primary wings. “We have sent a proposal to the state government to help these schools secure their necessary approvals,” Khan added.