Pune: Recognition of 10 Sinhgad institute schools cancelled over 18 months of unpaid teacher salaries

The education department has ordered the recognition of ten schools run by the Sinhgad institute in Pune to be cancelled. Deputy Director of Education Machhindranath Kadam issued the orders. The schools include six secondary and four primary schools. The matter has caused a stir in the education sector.

The action follows the non-payment of teachers' salaries. Teachers have gone unpaid for 18 months, and the decision was taken on that ground. The teachers had taken the stand that they would not teach until they were paid. The education department repeatedly issued notices to the institute, but the issue of the pending salaries was not resolved. The department was finally forced to decide to cancel the schools' recognition.

The action has been taken against schools in Narhe, Ambegaon, Khusgaon, Warje, Karvenagar and Kondhwa, which means schools in all six areas come under the order.

During the hearing in the matter, the institute presented its side. It argued that the government owes it RTE fee reimbursement. However, because teachers' salaries had remained pending for a long time, the education department ordered the recognition cancelled.

The department has taken precautions so that the students of these schools do not face disruption. To avoid academic loss, directions have been given to adjust them in other schools. The authorities concerned will be responsible for ensuring that the education of the children currently studying is not interrupted.

The order will not be enforced immediately. It will be implemented from 1 May 2027. Although the order has been issued now, the actual action will begin from that date, so the ten schools will not shut right away. They will have time to complete the academic year.

The institute has also been given an opportunity to appeal against the department's order. It can file an appeal with the Director of Education within 30 days of receiving the order. All eyes are now on whether the institute will challenge the decision and when the issue of the teachers' pending salaries will be resolved.