Two minority-run schools in Nagpur, Maharashtra, were shut down after an investigation revealed they lacked the necessary government approvals to operate. The Maharashtra State Minority Commission, led by its president Pyare Khan, confirmed the closure of the two institutions, which had been claiming minority status but were found to be functioning without official sanction. Khan stated that the schools, based in Bhandara, had enrolled approximately 600 students, and the education department would relocate all students to nearby approved institutions to ensure no academic year is lost. The inquiry was initiated by the Nagpur Zilla Parishad's education department at the request of the Minority Commission. Khan explained that the commission received a complaint alleging the schools were operating illegally and had demanded money from staff to secure jobs, falsely promising government grants for salaries. He emphasized that the education department directed the Zilla Parishad to conduct the investigation, which was completed in March and reported to the deputy director of education in Nagpur. Khan criticized the lack of oversight, stating that such illegal minority schools operate across Maharashtra and that authorities have failed to address the issue. He expressed concern that some institutions with minority status are engaging in these activities, damaging the reputation of legitimate minority education. Khan urged parents to verify a school's legitimacy by checking its UDISE number, a unique identifier issued only to government-approved institutions and verifiable on the official portal. The commission has launched a crackdown on such irregularities, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement.#bhandara #pyare_khan #nagpur_zilla_parishad #maharashtra_state_minority_commission #udise_number
