Parents Alert: Maharashtra Finds 487 Unauthorised Schools, Pune Division Reports 63

Pune, 11th May 2026: Maharashtra has identified around 487 unauthorised schools across the state, with the highest number reported in the Mumbai division, according to information shared by Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh on Saturday.

Out of the total unauthorised schools, 76 have been shut down so far, while criminal cases have been registered against 111 schools. The education department has initiated penal action against 325 schools; however, fines have been successfully recovered in only 16 cases.

The Mumbai division accounts for the largest share of illegal schools in the state, with 389 institutions found to be operating without authorisation. Of these, 59 schools have been shut down, FIRs have been lodged against 96 schools, and penalties have been imposed on 310 institutions. However, fine recovery has been completed in only five cases.

In the Pune division, 63 unauthorised schools were identified. Authorities have shut down 11 schools, registered cases against seven institutions, and recovered penalties from 10 schools.

Data released by the education department also indicates that despite the presence of unauthorised schools in the Nashik, Kolhapur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisions, action against several such institutions is yet to begin.

Speaking about the crackdown, Singh said the department’s data on unauthorised schools was collected nearly two to three months ago and some changes may have occurred since then. He noted that a few schools may have completed the government approval process in the meantime and become legally recognised.

“Strict action will be taken against unauthorised schools. District-wise inspections will be intensified, and efforts will be made to strengthen the drive against such schools to prevent academic loss to students,” Singh said.

The education department has also proposed publishing the list of unauthorised schools twice a year to help parents avoid enrolling their children in such institutions. Singh added that district councils and municipal corporations would be requested to publish these lists on their official websites to create wider public awareness.