Govt sends show cause notice to 1,500 state schools

Around 1500 schools from across the state have been sent notices by the state government asking them to show cause for why they should not be shut down.

The errant schools, including 300 from Nanded and other rural districts, have come under the government scanner for siphoning off state funds by using bogus student names. During the statewide inspection carried out in September last year, the schools were found to have 50% fewer students than the numbers shown on their records.

A senior education official said that a committee headed by the chief secretary was looking into the investigation of the scam. The statewide drive conducted in September scrutinised the enrolment of students in primary and secondary schools, ashramshalas and hostels.

The official said, “It is a serious menace. Schools have registered ‘bogus’ students to fleece the government, which spends a huge amount on teachers’ salaries, mid-day meals and student uniforms.”