Dehradun, May 24: Acting on the directives of the Chief Minister, Dehradun district administration has intensified its campaign against the education mafia, taking stringent action for the first time against several prominent private schools. The drive, led by District Magistrate Savin Bansal, is enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on arbitrary fee hikes and regulatory violations.
This unprecedented crackdown marks a significant shift in the administration’s approach, targeting powerful institutions previously untouched by such strict scrutiny. Following a series of complaints from concerned parents, investigations were launched into multiple private schools, uncovering serious irregularities related to unauthorized fee increases and lapses in obtaining mandatory recognition.
₹5.20 Lakh Penalty on Presidency International School
In one of the first major actions, ‘The Presidency International School’ in Bhaniawala has been slapped with a fine of ₹5.20 lakh. Over 100 parents had submitted formal complaints accusing the school of unjustified fee hikes. Upon investigation, officials discovered that the school was operating from pre-primary to Class 8 without renewing its official recognition as required by law.
Although the school’s original recognition was valid from March 2020 to March 2025, it failed to apply for mandatory renewal. Citing violations under Section 18(5) of the Right to Education Act, 2009, the administration imposed a penalty of ₹10,000 per day for the period between April 1 and May 22, 2025 — totaling ₹5,20,000.
The school has been directed to deposit the fine within three working days. Failure to comply will result in the amount being recovered as land revenue.
The district administration has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding students’ rights and ensuring transparency in the education sector, warning that similar action will follow against other institutions found violating regulations.
