Mumbai School Scam Exposed: ₹2.17 Cr Fine, No NOC Since 2017.

Unmesh Gujarathi

Sprouts News Exclusive

Mumbai’s urban education landscape has been rocked by serious allegations against the management of Ramanlal Nagindas Shah Secondary School (IGCSE Board), operated by Ritumbara Vishwavidyalaya, Vile Parle (West). Investigations by the Sprouts News Special Investigation Team led by Rohit Dandvate reveal that the school had been functioning illegally since June 2017 without obtaining mandatory government permissions or a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Repeated notices issued by the Education Inspector, Brihanmumbai Western Division, including those dated 5 February 2021 and 25 February 2021, directed the school to shut down within seven days and accommodate students in nearby authorized schools. Despite multiple warnings, the unauthorized operations continued, raising grave concerns about compliance and public safety.

Further findings highlight that under Section 18(5) of the Right to Education Act, 2009, operating a school without permission attracts a penalty of ₹1 lakh and ₹10,000 per day of continued operation. Yet, the Ritumbara Vishwavidyalaya authorities persisted. A notice dated 28 April 2023 officially declared the school unauthorized, instructing immediate closure by 30 April 2023. Authorities warned that failure to comply would result in FIR registration and a charge on the institution’s land and property records.

Despite these legal provisions, ₹2.17 crore in penalties imposed by the Maharashtra government remains unrecovered. This calls into question the enforcement of urban development policies relating to educational institutions operating within Mumbai’s jurisdiction.

In a further twist, the Global Parents Teachers Association repeatedly emailed the Education Commissioner and Division Officials on 4 March 2024 and 3 January 2025, urging them not to approve any new proposals—online or offline—from Ritumbara Vishwavidyalaya. However, information obtained under the Right to Information Act on 14 February 2025 revealed that the authorities dismissed the complaint, citing a “Letter of Intent” and “Approval Letter” received from the school.

Adding to the controversy, the Maharashtra State Government was urged to initiate disciplinary action against Shri Navnath Vanve, Education Inspector of Mumbai’s Western Division. Accusations centered on his failure to recover the ₹2.17 crore fine. As per the Maharashtra Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1982, Rule 27(1), demands have been made to deduct the penalty from his retirement benefits.

Following these allegations, on 11 April 2025, the Acting Divisional Education Deputy Director, Shri Sunil Sawant, ordered a formal hearing involving the former Education Inspector, the school management, and the complainants. Final orders and appeals are to be forwarded to the Hon’ble Indian Audit and Accounts Department, Maharashtra.

This case highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of Mumbai’s redevelopment and urban education policies to prevent unauthorized constructions and operations. The incident also brings into focus the necessity for greater transparency and accountability among education regulatory authorities.

The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team continues to monitor developments closely, ensuring that public interest and regulatory compliance remain at the forefront of Mumbai’s rapidly evolving urban landscape.