13 Unauthorised Schools Found In Pune District; 24 Not Operating At Approved Locations

Pune, 16th June 2025: A recent investigation has revealed that 13 schools operating in Pune district, including the city and its rural areas, are functioning without official government recognition. In addition, nine schools have only received a letter of intent and are yet to obtain final approval. Shockingly, 24 government-recognised schools are not operating at the locations for which they were originally approved.

This information was shared by Sanjay Naikade, the Primary Education Officer of the Zilla Parishad, through an official press release aimed at cautioning parents. Over the past few years, there has been a significant rise in demand for English-medium education. However, due to lack of awareness, many parents unknowingly admit their children into unauthorised schools.

According to reports submitted by administrative officers and group education officers from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations, as well as rural areas of the district, a total of 13 schools have been found to be unauthorised. Although nine schools have secured letters of intent, they have yet to receive final government sanction. Furthermore, 24 government-approved schools have been found operating away from their sanctioned premises.

Taluka-wise, the breakdown includes one school each in Daund, Haveli, Purandar, and Maval; seven schools in Mulshi; three in Khed; one in Pimpri-Chinchwad; and nine within the Pune Municipal Corporation limits—all operating at unauthorised locations.

Some of these schools have even begun advertising admissions without having formal government approval. The Education Department has warned parents not to fall for such advertisements or seek admission in schools lacking recognition. Naikade further instructed municipal and rural administrative officers to take strict action and shut down such unauthorised institutions. He also directed that notices be displayed outside these schools clearly stating their unauthorised status.

“If such schools continue to operate, the responsibility will lie with the respective administrative officers, education officers, and department heads,” Naikade warned.