Urgent Alert: PCMC Flags 6 Unauthorised Schools Before New Academic Year – A Wake-Up Call For Parents

📍 Introduction

As schools prepare to reopen for the new academic year, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has issued a critical advisory urging all parents and guardians to remain vigilant and informed. On June 13, 2025, the PCMC officially released a list of six unauthorised schools currently operating within its limits. These schools are functioning without proper accreditation, permissions, or oversight, prompting civic authorities to warn families against enrolling their children in such institutions. This advisory is a part of PCMC’s intensified crackdown on institutions that fail to meet state-mandated educational standards, aiming to protect the rights and future of thousands of students across Pimpri Chinchwad.

On June 13, 2025, the PCMC officially released a list of six unauthorised schools currently operating within its limits.

The announcement has sparked concern among residents and education activists, especially with admissions in full swing. With academic futures at stake, the PCMC’s move seeks to encourage greater scrutiny, transparency, and accountability in the school admission process.

🏫 Background: What Makes a School Unauthorised?

In Maharashtra, educational institutions must meet specific requirements to be legally permitted to operate. These include obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the State Education Department, fulfilling infrastructure norms, employing qualified teaching staff, and adhering to a standard curriculum approved by the state board. When a school fails to meet one or more of these conditions, it is classified as unauthorised.

Unauthorised schools often function outside the legal and regulatory framework. They may offer education without proper facilities like clean drinking water, playgrounds, libraries, or laboratories. These schools typically do not have qualified or trained teachers and may teach non-standard or unapproved syllabi. Consequently, students may receive certificates that are not recognised by any legitimate board, leading to major challenges in pursuing further education or transferring to recognised institutions.

📋 Official List: Six Unauthorised Schools Announced by PCMC

In a detailed circular circulated to all zonal offices and made available to the public via the PCMC education portal, the following schools have been flagged as operating without authorisation:

New Sunrise English Medium School, Bhosari
Wisdom International School, Rahatani
Green Valley Public School, Talwade
Galaxy English School, Chikhali
Oxford Global School, Moshi
Bright Future Academy, Nigdi

These institutions have been found lacking in essential certifications and compliance documentation. In some cases, prior warnings had been issued, but no corrective action was taken. Despite multiple inspections, these schools reportedly continued to operate without fulfilling mandatory guidelines.

⚠️ Why Parents Should Be Concerned

The PCMC’s alert serves as more than just a list — it is a stark warning to parents about the risks associated with unauthorised education providers. Here’s why it’s critical to stay cautious:

Invalid Certification: Students attending unrecognised schools risk having their certificates rejected by government bodies or other schools.
Poor Educational Quality: These schools often do not follow standard curricula, and many lack trained and certified educators.
No Accountability: If something goes wrong, such as fee frauds or academic misconduct, there’s little recourse due to the school’s unauthorised status.
Impact on Child’s Future: Admission to higher classes or transfers to legitimate schools may be denied, leading to academic disruption.

Numerous parents in Pimpri Chinchwad have previously reported issues when trying to switch their children from such schools, only to discover the certificates issued were not valid or recognised.

📢 PCMC’s Official Stand and Future Measures

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh stated that the civic body will intensify its efforts in ensuring that all private and public educational institutions operate within the bounds of the law. “We urge all parents to carry out due diligence before enrolling their children. The academic year is a critical time, and we do not want any child’s future compromised due to ignorance or misinformation,” he said.

He also added that surprise inspections will become more frequent and that strict action — including legal proceedings and school shutdowns — will be initiated against institutions violating state education norms. PCMC is also collaborating with local police and child welfare departments to crack down on rogue educational operators.

In addition, updated lists of recognised and unauthorised schools will be released quarterly and made available online for public access. Awareness campaigns are being planned in community centers and housing societies to inform and educate parents.

✅ How Parents Can Verify School Credentials

Parents and guardians are advised to take the following steps before securing admission for their child:

Visit the official PCMC Education Department Website
Look for the latest published list of authorised and unauthorised schools
Ask schools directly for their Recognition Certificate and NOC issued by the government
Speak with other parents or community groups about the school’s reputation
Contact PCMC’s education helpline at 8888006666 to report any suspicious institutions or to verify documents

Being informed and proactive is the best way to prevent unpleasant surprises and protect your child’s educational path.

📌 Conclusion

The PCMC’s public notification is a timely intervention that highlights the importance of verified and recognised educational institutions. As the academic year kicks off, parents must exercise caution and conduct thorough checks before finalising admissions. Choosing the right school isn’t just about location or fees — it’s about ensuring that the institution is legal, credible, and committed to delivering quality education.

Let this serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders — from education officers and civic bodies to parents and school operators — to prioritize integrity, legality, and transparency in education. To support this initiative, parents are encouraged to share this information within their communities and report any suspicious schools directly to PCMC through its helpline or website.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why has PCMC declared these schools unauthorised?
PCMC found that these schools lack the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC), recognition from the state education board, and fail to meet basic infrastructure and faculty norms required by law.

Q2: What are the risks of enrolling my child in an unauthorised school?
Your child may receive invalid certificates, face rejection during transfers or board exams, and be exposed to substandard educational facilities and unqualified staff.

Q3: Can unauthorised schools still admit students?
No. It is illegal for unauthorised schools to admit students. Doing so can lead to legal action against the institution and academic setbacks for the students.

Q4: How can I confirm if a school is authorised?
Check the latest list on the PCMC Education Portal, ask the school for their NOC and recognition certificate, or contact PCMC’s helpline at 8888006666.

Q5: What should I do if I already enrolled my child in one of the unauthorised schools?
Immediately contact PCMC’s education department. They may guide you on how to safely transfer your child to a recognised institution.

Q6: Will PCMC be releasing more lists in the future?
Yes. PCMC plans to update and publish recognised and unauthorised school lists quarterly and make them publicly accessible on its website.

Q7: Who can I report an unauthorised school to?
You can report to PCMC through their education helpline or by visiting your local ward office. You may also email the education department with proof or complaints.