CEO Baramulla cracks down on unregistered private schools, creches

Baramulla, April 16: A day after Greater Kashmir published a story on the rise of pre-nursery schools across the district, the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Baramulla has ordered the immediate closure and verification of all unregistered private schools and coaching centres operating in the district.

Pre-nursery schools, commonly known as crèches, have mushroomed in Baramulla district, sparking concern among the local residents.

In a circular, the CEO said the move aims to regulate the education sector and ensure strict adherence to official norms.

The circular was issued in response to numerous complaints and grievances received from various stakeholders. These concerns highlight the unchecked and unauthorized functioning of several private educational institutions across the district, in clear violation of SRO-123 dated March 18, 2010, and SRO-292 dated July 2, 2018, issued by the School Education Department.

"All Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) across Baramulla district have been instructed to conduct a comprehensive verification of the registration and affiliation status of private schools and coaching centres operating within their jurisdictions," the circular states.

"The ZEOs are further directed to identify any institutions functioning without valid authorization and report such violations to the CEO’s office immediately."

The circular emphasizes that managing bodies of private institutions have been repeatedly advised in the past to regularize their operations in accordance with the rules. However, continued non-compliance has now prompted the administration to initiate stringent action against defaulters.

“In the interest of transparency and effective administration, strict compliance with these instructions is mandatory,” the circular warns, adding that any negligence on the part of officials will be taken seriously.

ZEOs have also been ordered to submit detailed Action Taken Reports (ATRs) without delay.

The move is being seen as a decisive step toward curbing the mushrooming of unauthorized coaching centres and schools in the district.