CBSE Takes Strict Action Against Noida School Over Workplace Misconduct
In a significant move addressing alleged workplace misconduct in private education, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially withdrawn the affiliation of Uttarakhand Public School located in Sector-56, Noida. This decisive action follows serious complaints regarding mental harassment, salary irregularities, and administrative mismanagement that surfaced through a thorough investigation.
Court-Directed Investigation Uncovers Systemic Issues
The formal decision, documented through an order dated February 18, 2026, culminates months of inquiry into allegations initially raised by former teachers. The Allahabad High Court had directed the CBSE to conduct this investigation within a specified timeframe and take appropriate action based on its findings.
The case gained prominence in early 2025 when multiple teachers, predominantly women, filed complaints detailing an unhealthy work environment. Their allegations included:
- Mental harassment by school authorities
- Indecent behavior from higher management
- Forced work during holidays
- Coercion to resign for non-compliance
Perhaps most concerning were the salary-related complaints. Teachers alleged that school authorities demanded partial salary refunds under duress, creating a climate of financial intimidation.
State Inquiry Confirms Widespread Irregularities
Following these complaints, the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) for Gautam Budh Nagar initiated a comprehensive probe through a two-member committee. Their investigation validated the teachers' concerns, revealing:
Female teachers particularly worked in hostile and insecure conditions, according to the inquiry report. The committee confirmed that substantial amounts of money had been collected from teachers by school administration. Interestingly, approximately Rs 68 lakh was returned to teachers after objections emerged during the investigation.
The report also highlighted administrative irregularities, noting that major decisions were centralized with the school manager while the principal lacked independent authority. Teachers who raised objections faced forced resignations, creating a culture of silence.
School's Defense Fails to Satisfy Regulatory Authorities
In response to a CBSE show-cause notice issued in August 2025, school authorities repudiated all charges. They claimed the inquiry was one-sided and asserted that teachers had voluntarily contributed funds due to the institution's financial crisis. The school further maintained that statutory committees required under POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) and POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) were properly established and functional.
However, the CBSE found this defense unconvincing. The board noted that the school's return of Rs 68 lakh demonstrated the contributions weren't voluntary. Additionally, the school failed to provide documentary evidence supporting claims about disciplinary actions, grievance redressal mechanisms, or legal termination procedures for teachers.
The CBSE determined that multiple complaints combined with the state inquiry report revealed a pattern of harassment and non-compliance with prescribed service conditions.
Rationale Behind Affiliation Withdrawal
In its formal order, the CBSE emphasized that affiliated schools must guarantee safe, dignified, and professional working environments for staff. The board identified several serious violations:
- Failure to pay salaries according to established norms
- Systemic mental harassment of employees
- Lack of safe working conditions for women staff
These violations contravened both Affiliation Bye-Laws and statutory workplace safety provisions. The board characterized them as "gross and persistent" violations, concluding that continuing affiliation would be "prejudicial to the interests of teachers, students, and other stakeholders."
Academic Continuity for Current Students
While the affiliation withdrawal takes immediate effect, the CBSE has implemented measures to minimize academic disruption:
- Students in Classes X and XII may complete the 2025-26 academic session and take board exams from the same school
- Students in Classes IX and XI will be transferred to other CBSE-affiliated schools in the vicinity by March 31, 2026
- The school is prohibited from admitting new students or allowing lower-class students to join Classes IX and XI
The school may apply for affiliation reinstatement only after two academic years, and even then, only upon demonstrating full compliance with safety, administrative, and service standards. This case establishes a significant precedent for workplace conduct expectations in CBSE-affiliated institutions across India.
