Ludhiana: In a major crackdown on
unauthorised educational institutions, district education officer (elementary), Ravinder Kaur, ordered the immediate closure of two private schools operating without recognition under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.The schools, Prerna Academy in Sherpur Kalan and Sarthak Academy on Tibba Road, were found to be running illegally.
During inspections by the DEO (elementary) office team, it was found that Prerna Academy had 65 students enrolled from Classes I to V, while Sarthak Academy was catering to 96 students from Classes I to VII. Neither school had approval from the education department and both lacked the basic infrastructure and qualified staff required under RTE norms.
Upon inspection, school representatives claimed they were merely operating tuition centres. However, further investigation revealed that academic activities were being conducted on the premises with no proper infrastructure.
DEO (elementary) Ravinder Kaur, who is personally leading the enforcement drive across the district, said the students in these schools would be admitted in nearby govt schools according to their classes.
This action is part of a broader campaign initiated by the
Ludhiana education department to ensure that all schools comply with RTE guidelines. Following the shutdown of Prerna and Sarthak Academies, a surprise inspection was also carried in the Giaspura area, where several other unauthorised institutions were found operating in substandard conditions.
Among the schools inspected were Maa Sharda School, Government Flats, Maa Sharda School, Giaspura, Bright Future School, and Gopal Vatika School, in Viaspura area. None of these schools had applied for or received recognition under the RTE Act. The inspection team found overcrowded classrooms, absence of desks, unhygienic toilets, unsafe drinking water, and untrained teachers. Moreover, students above the age of 15 were found enrolled in primary classes, which is another violation of the RTE Act.
In response, the education department launched a targeted admission drive under the 2025-26 enrollment campaign. Over 100 children from the affected areas were immediately admitted to nearby govt schools, about 100 at Government Primary School Lohara and 19 at Government Primary School Giaspura.
DEO Ravinder Kaur was joined by Vishal Mittal, MIS coordinator, along withother staff during the inspection and enrollment drive.
The education department has warned that further action will be taken against any unrecognised institution operating in violation of the RTE Act.