Pune: Parents Stunned as School Reveals Lack of Operational Approval on Eve of New Academic Year

Baner, 16th June 2025: Just a day before the new academic session was set to commence, parents of students at Orchids The International School’s Sus Road branch in Baner were left in shock after the school management admitted it had no formal permission to operate at the current location.

The revelation came during a meeting called by the school on Sunday morning, triggering panic and outrage among the assembled parents, many of whom had made long-term educational plans for their children at the campus.

Parents Given Three Options, But None Ideal
In an unexpected move, the school proposed three alternatives: transferring the student to another Orchids branch in Pune, continuing classes online for the next month, or withdrawing admission entirely for a full refund. However, several parents expressed frustration, pointing out that most reputed schools have already closed admissions for the year.
“Where do we go now? Other schools have completed their admission process months ago,” said a visibly distressed parent whose child was due to enter Class 2.

History of Incomplete Approvals
The Sus Road branch reportedly started operations in 2023. Some parents said they were informed at the time that the school’s formal approvals were pending but would be resolved shortly. Two years on, that assurance appears to have been hollow.

“My son had to be shifted to a different branch last year because of the same issue. We were promised things would be sorted by this academic year, but here we are again,” said one parent, whose child is now in Class 3.

Another parent, who had pulled their daughter out earlier this year sensing inconsistencies, said they were contacted by other concerned parents on Sunday after the meeting turned tense.

“I suspected something was off when the school didn’t respond to repeated questions during the April session. I moved my child elsewhere just in time. But many parents weren’t so lucky,” the parent added. “The school continued to take fees and enroll students knowing they didn’t have legal clearance. This is unacceptable.”

Demands for Refunds and Accountability
Angry and anxious about their children’s disrupted education, dozens of parents stayed on the campus for hours demanding explanations and refunds. Many sought reimbursement not just for the current year but also for expenses incurred over the past two years, including school fees, books, and uniforms—some even asked for interest to be paid.

“We want our full fees back along with the cost of materials. This isn’t just about money—it’s about trust and our children’s futures,” said a parent of a Class 1 student.

No Word from School Authorities
Despite multiple attempts to get a statement, the school principal and senior staff declined to address the gathering or respond to media queries. The silence has only added to the growing anger and confusion among affected families.

Education activists have also weighed in, calling for urgent intervention from the education department to investigate how the school continued operations without approval and why timely action wasn’t taken.