Noida School Closure Leaves Over 1,000 Students in Academic Limbo
In a significant development impacting education in Noida, more than 1,000 students of Uttarakhand Public School in Sector 56 are facing uncertainty about their academic future. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has withdrawn the school's affiliation up to the senior secondary level and ordered the management to shut operations from March 31, 2025. This decision has thrown the educational plans of numerous families into disarray, with the new academic session set to begin on April 1.
CBSE Order and Its Immediate Impact
The CBSE withdrew the school's affiliation on February 18, citing severe violations of service conditions, workplace safety norms, and irregularities in salary disbursement, particularly affecting women staff. While students currently in Classes 10 and 12 have been permitted to complete the 2025–26 academic session on the same campus, those in Classes 9 and 11 must shift to other CBSE-affiliated schools before the new academic year commences. This directive has created a frantic scramble for admissions, with parents reporting that more than three weeks after the order, there is still no clarity from the school or the education department regarding student accommodation.
Parental Concerns and Admission Challenges
Parents have expressed deep frustration over the lack of planning and the timing of the closure. Lal Singh, whose son has been studying at the school for 11 years and is now in Class 9, highlighted the dilemma: "Admission sessions in most CBSE schools start by November-December. By March, seats are almost full. My son cannot be promoted to Class 10 here, and the two schools I approached refused admission, citing a lack of seats." He estimated that around 90-100 students in Class 9 alone are in limbo. Another parent shared a similar plight, noting that when enquiring at another school for his daughter in the science stream, only a commerce stream seat was available, making transfer impossible.
The situation is exacerbated by the advanced nature of board registrations. In CBSE-affiliated schools, students are typically registered for Class 10 board examinations in Class 9 and for Class 12 board examinations in Class 11. Transfers at this stage disrupt these critical processes, adding to the academic uncertainty. Pushkar Raj, a parent, criticized the authorities: "Whatever the issue was, closing down a school without proper planning for the students' future is uncalled for. The board and education department must take responsibility and act quickly."
Official Responses and School's Appeal
Officials from the district education department stated that they received the CBSE order only last week and are reviewing the matter. DIOS Rajesh Kumar Singh mentioned: "Classes 1-8 come under the basic education department. We will hold a meeting soon to make alternative arrangements for the students." Meanwhile, school principal Mohini Negi revealed that the management has appealed to the CBSE seeking reconsideration. "The school administration requested the board to allow it to continue operations till Class 12. The response is still awaited," she said.
Background of the CBSE Decision
The CBSE's order followed a detailed inquiry into multiple complaints by teachers, most of whom are women. They alleged mental harassment, forced salary deductions, and an unhealthy work environment under the school management. A joint fact-finding committee, led by the district inspector of schools and the city magistrate, substantiated these allegations. The inquiry also uncovered that Rs 68 lakh was returned to teachers after objections were raised over the alleged salary deductions, highlighting systemic issues within the institution.
As the deadline approaches, the education community in Noida watches closely, hoping for swift resolutions to safeguard the academic futures of over 1,000 affected students.
