Pune’s education department has ordered the cancellation of recognition of 10 schools run by the Sinhgad Technical Education Society after teachers and non-teaching staff remained unpaid for 18 months and teaching activities were disrupted. The order, issued by deputy director of education Machhindranath Kadam, will take effect from May 1, 2027, allowing students to complete the current academic year before any transfer arrangements begin.
The action covers six secondary schools and four primary schools. The department said the management failed to clear salary arrears despite repeated directions and warnings, and that the prolonged disruption had adversely affected students’ education.
The six secondary schools named in the order are Sinhgad College of Arts, Commerce and Science in Narhe, Ambegaon and Kondhwa; Sinhgad Public School in Khusgaon; and RMD Springdale Secondary School in Warje and Karvenagar-Erandwane. The four primary schools are Sinhgad Springdale School in Ambegaon, Sinhgad Springdale Public School in Vadgaon, Sinhgad City School in Kondhwa and RMD Sinhgad Springdale School in Warje.
According to the report, teachers began a teaching boycott after their salaries were not paid, bringing regular academic activities to a standstill. During the hearing, the education department also considered the impact on students before deciding to cancel recognition under Rules 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 of the Secondary School Code.
The society cited financial difficulties in its response to the department. It said the government had not released substantial reimbursement dues under the Right to Education Act, while the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission had increased salary expenditure. The management also said parents were not paying full fees on time and argued that it could clear the salary arrears after receiving the pending RTE reimbursement.
The education department rejected that explanation, pointing to the continued non-payment of salaries and the management’s failure to take corrective measures despite repeated notices. The management had earlier been directed to clear all pending and regular salaries by June 29, 2026, but did not comply with that deadline.
To limit disruption for students, education officials have been directed to arrange their gradual transfer to nearby recognised schools. The recognition cancellation will therefore apply from the 2027-28 academic year rather than immediately. The society has 30 days from receipt of the order to challenge the decision before the director of education.
