Unregistered pvt schools under scanner in Ludhiana, nine issued notices

Several unregistered private schools in the Ludhiana district have come under scrutiny for operating without legal recognition or adherence to the minimum standards mandated under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

This revelation emerged during an inspection drive carried out by district education officer (elementary) Ravinder Kaur between May 3 and May 15.

The DEO’s team found at least nine such institutions functioning without approval from the education department or registration in the UDISE (unified district information system for education) database.

Among the schools inspected were Islamia Arbia Mahdul, Saraswati Vidya Mandir Convent School, Maharaja English Model School (Ramgarh), BVM Grammar School (Dhandari Kalan), Madrasa Islamia Arbia, Origin Public School, Janta Model School (Giaspura), Arsh Public School, and BBN Grammar School (Harnampura).

Show-cause notices were issued to all these schools on May 19, with a two-day deadline to submit valid documentation at the district education office.

One of the most concerning cases identified was Islamia Arbia Mahdul, which had an enrollment of 355 students from Classes 1 to 8, despite lacking legal recognition.

Maharaja English Model School, with 29 students from nursery to Class 7, and BVM Grammar School, with 120 students, were also found non-compliant with RTE norms.

“Some of these institutions—particularly some madrasas—have been running for years without offering formal education as defined by law,” said Ravinder Kaur.

She also urged madrasa administrators to facilitate the transfer of students to nearby government schools to ensure access to recognized and quality education.

In line with instructions from the state education department, a six-member committee has been established under the leadership of the DEO.

This team, comprising block primary officers and education department officials, is tasked with evaluating private schools for compliance with the RTE Act, 2009, and Punjab RTE Rules, 2011.

Private schools have also been asked to furnish verified documentation for inspection, including building and fire safety certificates, sanitation and drinking water reports, and transport safety records.

The committee will compile its findings into a comprehensive report to be submitted to the state government for further action.