CBSE Revokes Affiliation of Uttarakhand Public School in Noida Over Serious Violations
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken stringent action by withdrawing its affiliation up to the senior secondary level for Uttarakhand Public School located in Sector 56, Noida. This decision comes in response to multiple violations, including breaches of service conditions, workplace safety norms, and significant irregularities in salary disbursement, with particular impact on women staff members.
Immediate Impact on Students and Academic Continuity
In an order issued on February 18, CBSE has outlined specific measures to minimize disruption for current students. Students enrolled in Classes 10 and 12 will be permitted to complete the 2025-26 academic session on the same campus to ensure continuity in their board examinations. However, students in Classes 9 and 11 face immediate relocation; they must be shifted to nearby CBSE-affiliated schools by March 31, prior to the commencement of the next academic session.
The school has also been prohibited from admitting new students or promoting existing ones to Classes 9 and 11 through automatic progression. This order is expected to affect nearly 1,500 students, highlighting the scale of the regulatory intervention.
Path to Restoration and Compliance Requirements
CBSE has stipulated that the institution may apply for restoration of affiliation, but only up to the secondary level, after a period of two academic years, specifically in 2027-28. This restoration is contingent upon the school achieving full compliance with all mandatory safety, service, and affiliation bylaws set forth by the Board.
Background and Inquiry Findings
The action follows a detailed inquiry initiated by CBSE after receiving numerous complaints from teachers, predominantly women, alleging mental harassment, forced salary deductions, and indecent behaviour by the school management. A two-member fact-finding committee, led by the district inspector of schools (DIOS) and the city magistrate, was constituted to thoroughly examine these allegations.
The committee's investigation substantiated the complaints, revealing that teachers were operating in a hostile and unhealthy environment. There were reports of pressure being exerted on staff to resign if they resisted or raised objections against management practices.
In its comprehensive eight-page report, CBSE noted that the matter was initially referred to the state education department in May of the previous year, leading to the joint inquiry. The committee also highlighted that Rs 68 lakh was returned to teachers after objections were raised during the inquiry into alleged salary deductions.
Governance Issues and Management Response
Significant governance issues were flagged, with observations indicating that most administrative decisions were being taken by the school's manager, Harish Papne, while the principal, Mohini Negi, was not functioning independently or effectively. Based on these findings, CBSE issued a show-cause notice to the school in August 2025, seeking an explanation.
The school management denied all allegations, labeling the inquiry as "biased" and claiming insufficient opportunity to participate in the proceedings. They argued that salary contributions by teachers were "voluntary" and driven by financial constraints, alleged a conspiracy by staff members, and maintained that statutory committees under workplace safety laws, including POSH and POCSO, were operational.
Furthermore, the management questioned CBSE's authority to act based solely on a state-level inquiry.
CBSE's Rejection and Final Order
CBSE rejected the school's explanation, deeming the submissions "unsatisfactory" and "unsupported by documentary evidence." The Board emphasized that the allegations directly pertained to safety and the right to a healthy working environment, which are core requirements under its affiliation bylaws.
"The submission of the school that no part of the salary was ever taken by the management and that the teachers voluntarily returned the amounts for the benefit of the school is without any justification," stated the order. S Arun Dharini, CBSE regional officer for Noida, confirmed receipt of the order and assured that steps are being taken to prevent adverse effects on students during ongoing board examinations. "Immediate measures will be taken to assure a better future for students currently studying there," he added.
Additional Measures and Future Steps
The fate of students in Classes 1 to 8 has been delegated to district education authorities, who will make decisions based on further reports. Teachers affected by termination or service-related violations have been advised to approach appropriate state authorities or legal forums for redressal.
District inspector of schools (DIOS) Rajesh Kumar remarked that this case reflects stronger regulatory action against private school managements facing serious complaints. "For students of Classes 1 to 8, the department will hold a meeting with the basic education officer and arrive at a decision," he stated.
Repeated attempts to contact the school management for a response were unsuccessful. It is noteworthy that in April 2023, Noida Authority had sealed the school over non-payment of land cost dues amounting to Rs 20 crore, indicating a history of compliance issues.
