The education department has begun to crack the whip on unrecognised private schools in Krishna district. According to officials, they had so far identified 140 private schools in the district, 99 in Vijayawada region and 57 in Vijayawada city. The education department had already issued several notices to these schools in the last one month and on Monday, they have imposed fine of `1 lakh each on these schools, as they have opened without obtaining the required clearances from various departments.

“As per Right to Education Act, it is mandatory for all schools to get recognition from the government. If any school fails to get recognition, but opens for the academic year, show cause notice will be issued and if recognition is not taken, fines will be imposed and collector will be notified of the development. As per collector’s directions, further action will be initiated against such school managements,” said DEO K Nageswara Rao.

Some officials opine that these private institutions are taking advantage of the RTE act and opening the schools without obtaining recognition from the government. “As it was clearly mentioned in RTE act, that the private schools could be fined but not closed immediately, if they were found to be lacking any recognition. So, most of the private schools are taking advantage of this clause and running the institutions,” said an official.

He requested all the parents to enquire about the school before admitting their wards. He said in case, the schools, sans recognition are closed, the students of that school will either be admitted to government schools or parents can always go to the school of their choice.