25 schools closed, 72 asked to get approval

Pressure mounting to allow unrecognised schools

Srikakulam: Education officials have closed 25 private unrecognised schools in the district. The managements of 72 schools were asked to stop classes till they get renewal permissions and get approval for running classes from 8 to 10. In all 605 private schools are in existence across the district. Out of them, 103 schools were found unrecognised by the mandal educational officers (MEOs) concerned during last week of May this year.

Later, the officials issued notices to managements of all the 103 private unrecognised schools to submit proper records. But only six schools produced records and remaining 97 schools did not respond.

At the end of notice period, education department officials launched physical verification of schools in which they found that 25 private schools have no permissions to run classes. Recognition period of 24 schools ended but they started admissions for this academic year. Remaining 48 schools were found running Class 8, 9 and 10 and started admissions into the three classes though they were permitted to run classes up to class-VII.

Instead of applying for permissions, the private school managements have been putting pressure on officials through political leaders. Private Recognised Schools Association district president and secretary M Venkat and P Srikanth along with BR Ambedkar University Executive Council (EC) member B Laxman Rao submitted a memorandum to Srikakulam MLA G Laxmidevi for opening of closed schools. They also requested Minister K Atchannaidu, MP K Rammohan Naidu to put pressure on officials.
On the other hand, AP Private Schools Association State president S Jagannadha Rao and general secretary G Shankar Rao wanted the government to give two months time to get recognition.

“We are following government directions. If any relaxation is announced by the government, we will implement it,” said DEO D Devananda Reddy.