2,000 private schools approach court for recognition

CHENNAI: Across the state of Tamil Nadu, around 760 private schools, including 50 in and around the city of Chennai, might be facing closure if they fail to get government recognition by the end of the month.

As some schools have admitted students by claiming to be affiliated to the Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE), whereas, others were either private matriculation or primary and nursery schools claiming to possess recognition from the state directorate for elementary education. These schools are being given a final chance to apply for recognition next week before a committee that will be set up probe the matter, according to an internal communication which has been dated May 15 and has been issued by the directorate.

A senior official from the state school education department, has said "Those found ineligible will be shut down."

As per the RTE Act, 2009, no school can operate without the recognition of the respective state governments.

To apply for recognition or renewal, each school must meet the minimum land requirement specified by the respective state governments.

Around 2,000 private schools, approached the court. The matter is subjudice and the state government has extended the temporary recognition granted to them last year.

The directorate of school education in April ordered all private schools to update their recognition status.

The directorate found out that around 760 schools were now found operating without recognition. Tirupur topped the list with 86 unrecognised schools. Chennai and neighbouring district Tiruvallur have 55 such institutions.