144 private schools will be shut down due to lack of infrastructure facilities’, says HRD Minister

Andhra Pradesh Minister for HRD Ganta Srinivasa Rao reviewing the performances of the schools here on Sunday said that 144 private schools in the district will be closed down for failing to obtain the mandated recognition from the government before reopening date ie., on Monday.

The minister expressed displeasure as the schools do not have the required infrastructure such as playgrounds, proper toilets and laboratories. Of the 144 schools, 57 are primary schools and 87 high schools.

Srinivasa Rao expressed anger over the DEO for allowing these schools to function without being recognized. The schools have to be closed down before reopening. He instructed the authorities to release advertisements in all major news papers to publicize the names of the banned schools. On the fitness certificates of buses, there are about 1,640 school buses and so far only 732 have obtained fitness certificates.

The management of the schools have been told to obtain the fitness certificate before the reopening date or not to run the busses till then, he said.

The minister instructed the private school management to strictly follow the 25 per cent admission for children from BPL segment as per the norms of the Right to Education Act. The schools have not been following it as they claim that the government has not clearly stated the reimbursement component. A committee has been formed to look into the matter, he said.