20 Schools Busted for Fraud
Hold onto your textbooks, folks, because the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has just dropped the hammer on 20 schools for engaging in some shady business. From enrolling dummy students to flouting examination norms, these schools have been caught red-handed, prompting the CBSE to take swift action.
Shocking Revelations
In a recent statement, CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta revealed the unsettling truth behind the board’s decision. Surprise inspections uncovered a slew of malpractices, including the enrollment of dummy students and ineligible candidates, along with sloppy record-keeping. The board wasted no time in wielding its authority, swiftly disaffiliating 20 schools and downgrading the affiliation of three others.
Nationwide Crackdown
The crackdown spanned across the country, with schools from various states feeling the heat of CBSE’s scrutiny. Delhi, Punjab, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Dehradun, and Madhya Pradesh – no region was spared from the board’s watchful eye.
Schools in the Hot Seat
Among the list of disaffiliated schools are some familiar names, including Sidhhartha Public School, Bharat Mata Saraswati Bal Mandir, and National Public School in Delhi. Others from states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Kerala also found themselves in the hot seat, facing the consequences of their actions.
The Problem with Dummy Schools
The issue of dummy schools has long been a cause for concern in the education sector. These schools, often used by students preparing for competitive exams, allow students to bypass regular classes and focus solely on exam preparation. However, experts warn against the detrimental effects of this practice, citing concerns about restricted personality development and academic growth.
A Call for Action
The rise in student suicides, particularly among competitive exam aspirants in places like Rajasthan’s Kota, has brought the issue of dummy schools into the spotlight. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has been vocal about the dangers of these “fake schools,” emphasizing the need for stricter regulations.
What Ministers Say?
“Students of classes 9 and 10 are enrolled in coaching institutes. You are committing a crime in a way. As if the IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) is the god. As soon as students come to these coaching institutes, they are enrolled in fake schools,” the veteran Congress leader had said.
“Although the number of such students is not very high compared to the total number of students … but the time has come to have serious discussions and deliberations on the subject,” Pradhan had said.
Minister Speaks Out
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of addressing the issue head-on. While acknowledging that the number of students enrolled in dummy schools might not be significant compared to the total student population, Pradhan emphasized the need for serious discussions and deliberations on the matter.
Maintaining Integrity of Education System
As the dust settles on this latest development, one thing’s for sure – the CBSE isn’t pulling any punches when it comes to maintaining the integrity of India’s education system. With fraudulent practices being met with swift repercussions, schools across the country are being reminded that accountability and transparency are non-negotiable in the pursuit of quality education.