221 Unrecognised Schools In Prayagraj To Pay Fine of Rs 1 Lakh

In a recent development, authorities in the Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh have identified a total of 221 primary and upper primary schools operating without proper recognition. The Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA)-Prayagraj has taken decisive action against these schools, issuing notices and imposing fines of Rs 1 lakh on each establishment, said officials of the state basic education department on Tuesday.

BSA-Prayagraj Praveen Kumar Tiwari confirmed the imposition of a Rs 1 lakh fine on each of the identified schools. The school owners have been given a seven-day deadline to pay the fines, as per the officials. Failure to comply within the stipulated time will result in the cases being referred to higher authorities, initiating a recovery process akin to the collection of land revenue dues.

The list of unrecognised schools compiled by BSA-Prayagraj reveals a widespread issue, with schools identified in various development blocks across the district. Notably, the city area has nine such schools, Uruwa and Jasra development blocks each have three, while Shankargarh, Meja, and Kaudhiyara blocks have two each. The list further details the number of unrecognised schools in various development blocks, highlighting the extent of the problem.

Despite previous notices and opportunities given to these schools to either close or obtain proper recognition, many have failed to comply. In response, a stringent penalty of Rs 1 lakh has been imposed, accompanied by explicit instructions to shut down operations immediately. Any school found operating during this period will face a daily fine of Rs 10,000, signaling a firm stance against non-compliance.

The crackdown on unrecognized schools is part of a broader campaign initiated by the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Department. Months ago, notices were served to such schools, offering them a chance to rectify their status by meeting the stipulated terms and conditions set by the state government. According to the officials, the directive was clear – keep the schools closed until proper recognition is obtained.

This initiative serves as a reminder to schools across the state to adhere to the prescribed guidelines and obtain the necessary recognition to operate legally.