A major crackdown on unauthorised educational institutions has been initiated in Mumbai after 53 schools located in slum settlements were booked by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for allegedly operating without government approval. The action was taken following repeated warnings and closure notices that were reportedly ignored by the schools.
The schools formed part of a larger list of 164 institutions that had earlier been declared illegal by civic authorities. These schools had been instructed to shut down in February after being found to be functioning without the necessary permissions required under existing education regulations. When compliance was not achieved, first information reports (FIRs) were registered against several of them.
A significant concentration of the affected schools was reported from Mankhurd and Govandi, while others were located in Malwani. Civic officials indicated that similar action could be extended to additional institutions if they continue operating despite official directives. The move has highlighted the long-standing challenge of regulating educational facilities operating in informal settlements across the city.
The welfare of students has emerged as a key concern following the action. Authorities have stated that children studying in the affected schools would not be denied education and would instead be accommodated in recognised schools. Admissions are expected to be granted based on age eligibility, and school leaving certificates will not be required because documents issued by unauthorised institutions are not legally recognised.
To facilitate the transition, BMC-run schools have been directed to actively support admissions. English, Hindi, and Urdu-medium civic schools have been instructed to participate in the enrolment process. Additional capacity is also expected to become available through a newly constructed school building in Shivajinagar, which is scheduled to become operational shortly.
However, the action has been strongly criticised by representatives of the affected schools. It has been argued that many of these institutions cater to children from economically disadvantaged families who may otherwise have limited access to English-medium education. School operators have maintained that approval has often been denied because they are unable to meet infrastructure norms such as minimum classroom sizes and dedicated playground facilities, requirements they describe as impractical within densely populated slum communities.
Members of the Slum Private School Management Association have also expressed dissatisfaction with the filing of FIRs. It has been claimed that repeated efforts had been made to seek regularisation and that discussions with government officials had previously raised hopes of policy changes or regulatory relaxation. Legal action against the civic body is now being considered by some school representatives.
Meanwhile, education advocates have urged authorities to ensure that students remain protected from the consequences of the dispute. Concerns have been raised that many parents may not have been aware of the legal status of the schools in which their children were enrolled. As the controversy continues, attention is expected to remain focused on balancing regulatory enforcement with the educational needs of thousands of vulnerable students across Mumbai.
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