Pune: District Authorities’ Advisory to Parents on School Admissions, Highlights Need for Caution
Pune, Dec 18, 2024: As the school admission season begins in December, Pune Zilla Parishad (ZP) has issued a detailed advisory urging parents to exercise caution while choosing schools for their children. The advisory, spearheaded by education officer Sanjay Naikade, aims to protect parents from misleading advertisements and unauthorized institutions.
Parents’ challenging experience last year, navigating through various schools and verifying their credentials, highlights the importance of this guidance. Many parents lack the time and resources to conduct such extensive research, making this initiative crucial.
Parents are advised to verify key documents, including the school’s affiliation certificate, its UDISE (Unified District Information System for Education) number, and the authenticity of facilities promised in advertisements. If discrepancies are found, complaints can be lodged with the education department, which will take strict action, including police involvement, against the schools.
To assist parents further, the Pune ZP will publish a list of authorized schools across the district on its official website, www.zppune.org, from December 16 to 18. This list will cover ICSE, CBSE, IB, and other board-affiliated schools in all areas, including Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and cantonment boards.
Naikade emphasized that schools must ensure functional CCTV cameras, fitness certificates for school vehicles, and proper character certificates for drivers. “These safety measures are as much the responsibility of parents as they are of the schools,” he said.
The district boasts 7,221 schools affiliated with various boards and mediums, making it imperative for parents to be vigilant. Area officers will also conduct surveys to identify unauthorized schools and take action against them.
Prasad Jadhav, a parent seeking admission for his daughter, expressed the challenges parents face in finding reliable schools. “It’s tough to verify a school’s authorization with so many options around,” he said.
The education department has cautioned schools against misleading parents with false advertisements, warning of strict penalties and even criminal cases for violations.
