Indore private schools must now seek recognition and renewal only through a mobile app

Private schools in Indore that run classes up to Class VIII will have to meet the conditions for recognition and renewal under the education law. Officials of the Directorate have issued instructions to this effect. Under them, school managements must complete the entire process only through a mobile app.

Director Harjinder Singh said, "Institutions will have to take photographs of the premises that carry the location and show the name of the school. The documents will then have to be uploaded through the app." Before starting renewal, school operators in Indore will have to open their previous approval on the online portal using a password. Schools that did not get renewal done the last time will be fined Rs 10,000. In Indore, block resource coordinators will visit the schools and verify the details on site within a 15-day inspection period.

Singh said, "Verification of staff will involve confirming identity against a database and checking qualification records linked to the portal." Schools must have building safety standards, fire-safety equipment, ventilated classrooms, office rooms and a playground. The library must have at least two books per student. Schools also need safe drinking water and separate, clean toilets for boys and girls.

A school in a rented building must submit a registered lease agreement, and one in its own building must submit land records. Schools must also deposit a security amount as a fixed deposit in a nationalised bank. The amount ranges from Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000, depending on the number of students.

The application fee depends on the size of the institution. The fee for new recognition is between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000. An annual renewal fee is charged in addition, along with a penalty for late applications. A separate processing fee must be paid for a change of address within a ward.

Inspectors check structural standards and water facilities. They then send the inspection report to the District Project Coordinator. When all conditions are found to be met, district officials issue a digital recognition certificate.

If an application is rejected, the institution can appeal to the Collector within a stipulated period. If the matter is not resolved there, it goes to Singh. Singh said, "The full documents and the photographs showing location must be submitted through the internet portal along with the appeal, within the stipulated time." The district administration will be responsible for stopping unrecognised schools in Indore from running illegally.