11 Unauthorised Schools Identified in Nagpur, 5 Shut Down: Major Expose via RTI

Nagpur: The Maharashtra State Education Department has taken significant action against schools operating without authorisation. A total of 11 unauthorised schools were identified in the Nagpur division for the 2025-26 academic year.

Of these, 5 schools have already been shut down, and criminal cases (FIRs) have been registered against the authorities of four schools. This information was revealed by the Education Department in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query.

According to data from the Maharashtra Education Department, a total of 11 unauthorised schools have been identified in the Nagpur Division for the 2025-26 academic year. These include 8 schools in Nagpur district, 2 in Bhandara district, and one in Gadchiroli district.

Closure orders have already been set against 5 of the 8 unauthorised schools in Nagpur district. Additionally, FIRs have been lodged against the authorities of 2 schools in the district.

The Education Department has lodged an FIR against two identified unauthorised schools in Bhandara district. However, no action has yet been taken regarding an identified school in Gadchiroli, as the matter is currently sub judice.

The number of unauthorised schools is far higher across Maharashtra, not just in the Nagpur division.

According to data provided by the Education Department, a total of 526 unauthorised schools have been identified across the state. Of these, the Mumbai division accounts for the highest number, with 452 schools.

Statistics for the various divisions are as follows—Mumbai: 452, Pune: 53, Nagpur: 11, Nashik: 4, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: 4, and Amravati: 2.

These figures indicate that the issue of unauthorised schools is not confined to a single district; it is a significant matter concerning the entire state's education system.

The Education Department has taken several measures against unauthorised schools in the Mumbai division. According to reports, orders have been issued to close down 23 schools in the division. Additionally, FIRs have been lodged against 49 schools.

Action in these cases has been taken under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.

An RTI response reveals that the issue was not only a lack of authorisation; some schools continued to operate even after receiving multiple legal notices from local municipalities and education inspectors. In such situations, the administration may take measures such as shutting down the schools, filing FIRs, and large financial penalties.

A response to an RTI application states that, under Section 18 of the RTE Act, unauthorised schools may face a financial penalty of up to ₹1 lakh. Additionally, orders for the permanent closure of such schools may also be issued.

In other words, the Education Department does not view operating a school without government recognition as a minor administrative mistake. If necessary, both criminal and financial actions may be taken against the related authorities.

These significant details have emerged from information provided by the Education Department in response to queries raised by RTI activist Abhay Kolarkar. The information obtained through the RTI process presents a clear picture of the actions being taken against unauthorised schools within the government system.