Gurugram: Gurugram’s education department appears divided and evasive over the issue of illegal and unrecognised schools, raising serious questions about enforcement, transparency, and accountability.
During a recent visit to the District Education Office, it emerged that notices have indeed been issued against several illegal and unrecognised schools operating in Gurugram. However, despite official acknowledgements, these schools continue to function openly, enrolling students and collecting fees without valid permissions.
In a striking contradiction, the District Education Officer (DEO), Indu Boken, who oversees secondary education from Classes 9 to 12, stated that “to her knowledge, no school is running illegally” at the senior secondary level in Gurugram.
The claim stands in sharp contrast to ground realities that multiple schools are operating without proper affiliation or approvals.
On the other hand, the District Elementary Education Officer (DEEO), Saroj Kumari Dahiya, admitted that the department has issued notices to illegal schools running at the elementary level.
However, when asked to share copies of these notices or provide a list of such schools, the officer refused, citing administrative reasons. She was reluctant to disclose details as she is nearing retirement and “do not want to face any complications.”
This refusal has triggered concerns about deliberate opacity. Education experts point out that issuing notices without follow-up action or public disclosure defeats the very purpose of regulation.
“If notices have been served, why are these schools still operating? And why can’t the department make this information public?” questioned a local education activist.
Parents, meanwhile, remain the worst affected. Many unknowingly admit their children to unrecognised schools, risking their academic future. In several past cases across Haryana, students from illegal schools have faced difficulties in board registrations, transfers, and admissions to higher classes.
The apparent lack of coordination between the DEO and DEEO further highlights systemic gaps. While one wing denies the existence of illegal schools, another acknowledges violations but withholds information. This disconnect has allowed unauthorised institutions to thrive unchecked.
Activists have demanded immediate disclosure of notices issued, a public list of illegal schools, and strict enforcement, including closures where necessary. They have also urged intervention by the Deputy Commissioner and the Chief Minister’s Office to ensure accountability.
As Gurugram continues to brand itself as a global city, the ongoing silence and contradictions within the education department risk undermining trust in the system—and jeopardising the future of thousands of students.