Panvel Education Officer Takes Action Against Unauthorised School in Dhamani

The Dnyanai Secondary School in Dhamani, Waje area, Panvel taluka, was found operating without government permission. Following a complaint by the Group Education Officer (GEO) of Panvel, the Education Department registered a case against the school management and headmaster under Sections 318(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 at the Mhangarli Police Station.

It has been reported previously that around 12 schools in Panvel taluka were operating without authorisation. However, this is the first instance of a formal case being registered. Due to the absence of active follow-up by the previous GEO, the number of unauthorised schools had increased.

After taking charge two months ago, Shahu Satpal, the new GEO of Panvel Panchayat Samiti, reviewed correspondence of each school with the government and filed the case against Dnyanai Secondary School in Dhamani. This move has sent a strong message to other unauthorised institutions in the taluka. For the past two years, it was rumored that previous GEOs avoided action due to external pressures.

According to the complaint, since June 2023, the school has violated the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, enrolling 99 students from 5th to 9th grade without authorisation. The school collected tuition fees without government approval, allegedly defrauding parents and students.

Shahu Satpal emphasised that the aim is not punitive action but compliance. Schools that apply for government approval are given six months to s. “While enforcing action against unauthorised schools, we will ensure students are enrolled in nearby legitimate schools. The government policy is that there should be no unauthorised educational institution in the taluka,” he said.

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