In Thane, despite the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) registering a First Information Report (FIR), schools marked as illegal persist in their operations, raising concerns over the efficacy of regulatory measures. A social activist, who filed the complaint, has criticized the TMC’s response, alleging that actions taken so far are merely symbolic gestures, with no substantial steps taken against establishments like the Alhadi Maktab and Public School in Rabodi, deemed unauthorized by the TMC.
Despite the annual release of lists naming illegal and unauthorized schools by the TMC and other educational authorities, these institutions continue to function without hindrance, as per the activist’s claims.
Under Section 18(5) of the Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009, operating a school without obtaining a certificate of recognition or persisting in running a school after recognition withdrawal incurs penalties. These penalties include fines of up to Rs 1 lakh initially and Rs 10,000 per day for ongoing violations.
The persistence of these unauthorized schools raises questions about the enforcement of educational regulations in Thane. Despite regulatory frameworks in place, the apparent inability to shut down such institutions casts doubts on the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms.
Efforts to regulate the education sector must be intensified to ensure compliance with legal requirements and safeguard the interests of students and parents. Transparent and accountable measures need to be implemented to address the proliferation of illegal schools and uphold the quality and integrity of education in Thane.
