175 Thane Schools Bypass RTE, Operate Without Approval.

Unmesh Gujarathi

Sprouts News Exclusive

In a major breach of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, Sprouts News has learned that 175 unaided private schools in Thane are operating without RTE recognition. This comes shortly after revelations that 218 schools under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are functioning similarly. The list includes prominent convent and high-fee private institutions. The information came to light through RTI inquiries pursued by education rights activists Nitin Dalvi and Prasad Tulsakar.

The widespread disregard for legal compliance has raised serious questions about enforcement of RTE regulations. Activists claim that these violations compromise students’ educational rights and expose parents to unregulated financial exploitation.

Earlier, the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights had directed the Director of Primary Education to compile a state-wide list of non-compliant schools. However, this directive was reportedly ignored by Primary Education Director Sharad Gosavi. As a result, many schools in Thane continue to operate without valid RTE certification, in violation of the law.

According to the RTE Act, recognition is granted for a three-year period, after which schools must apply for renewal. Failure to do so invalidates their legal status. Despite this, dozens of institutions have continued operating—some for years—without renewal.

Under RTE regulations, schools must submit annual balance sheets to the education department. Activists argue that failure to renew recognition often stems from a deliberate attempt to avoid financial scrutiny. Unregulated schools escape transparency on critical issues such as illegal fee collection, donations, and misuse of infrastructure funds.

Nitin Dalvi and Prasad Tulsakar allege that many schools fear exposure of financial irregularities if they reapply for RTE approval. They add that the state’s lax monitoring mechanisms enable these violations, putting students’ futures at risk while letting school operators profit unchecked.

Operating a school without RTE recognition is illegal under Indian education law. Authorities such as the Thane Municipal Corporation’s education department are empowered to impose penalties and take closure action against such institutions. Yet, no significant fines have been levied, nor have revenue losses to the government—running into crores—been recovered.

This systemic failure not only undermines public trust but also deprives the state of legitimate educational oversight. Sprouts News finds that despite clear evidence and repeated directives, regulatory inaction persists at all administrative levels.

Education rights activists are preparing to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court. The PIL will name both negligent officers and schools flouting the law. Dalvi and Tulsakar argue that after the exposure of 218 unrecognized schools in Mumbai, the Thane case highlights a state-wide failure in upholding the RTE Act.

They also accuse the school education department of shielding unauthorized institutions. Sprouts News remains committed to exposing such violations and continues to support accountability in public education.