Pune: The District Education Department has raised concerns over a rising number of private schools advertising admissions for Nursery and primary classes across Pune district. Parents are urged to verify schools' credentials to avoid falling prey to unauthorized institutions.
With the new academic year approaching, schools affiliated with ICSE, CBSE, IB, and the State Education Board (Marathi and English mediums) have begun their admission processes.
Many institutions are aggressively advertising through roadside billboards and flex boards placed near prominent landmarks. These advertisements, designed to attract parents, may sometimes misrepresent the school's authenticity, leading to potential fraud.
To address this issue, the Pune Zilla Parishad’s Education Department has announced that an official list of authorized schools will be available on their website, www.zppune.org, between December 16 and 18. Parents are advised to refer to this list and ensure they avoid unauthorized institutions.
The department has also instructed all group education officers in the district to ensure no unauthorized schools operate within their jurisdictions. A detailed survey will be conducted to identify such schools. The department has emphasized taking strict action to curb unauthorized operations.
In addition, the education department has shared a checklist for parents to consider before finalizing admissions:
Verify government recognition and "UDISE" numbers with local education officers.
Ensure the school has proper infrastructure, including playgrounds and clean washrooms.
Check for essential safety features like CCTV cameras.
Confirm the presence of a Parent-Teacher Committee and appropriate transport arrangements with women staff members.
Ensure all non-teaching staff undergo background checks.
