Authorities in Hailakandi district have issued show-cause notices to 38 private schools for reportedly operating without valid government recognition. Officials said the action followed a series of complaints pointing to irregularities in several institutions, including alleged violations of provisions under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
Section 18 of the Act makes it mandatory for schools to obtain prior recognition before commencing operations. According to a directive from the district inspector of schools, 34 institutions were initially asked to furnish documents related to their recognition within five days. Authorities warned that failure to comply could result in unilateral action, including closure and legal proceedings.
“Any school found operating without proper authorisation will face strict action as per the law,” an official said. The institutions have also been directed to stop fresh admissions and suspend ongoing academic activities until further orders. In a fresh development on Thursday, four additional schools were served similar notices, taking the total number of institutions under scrutiny to 38.
The move comes amid mounting pressure from local organisations such as the Chatra Mukti Sangram Samiti and the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, which had recently submitted memoranda to the district administration alleging widespread violations by certain private schools. The groups had also sought a magistrate-level inquiry and provided a list of institutions suspected of flouting norms.
