Ghaziabad: The education department has served notices to three private schools for allegedly running classes without mandatory recognition, violating safety norms, and engaging in unfair practices.

The action follows a govt directive after multiple complaints were received from concerned parents.

On Aug 6, a parent from Nandgram filed a complaint alleging that schools were demanding students buy books from specific vendors and not providing TCs.

Subsequently, the district school inspector (DIOS) formed a three-member inquiry committee comprising the co-district school inspector and principals of Government Inter College, Nandgram.

The committee conducted physical inspections of the schools on Aug 11.

The probe revealed that Shekhar Public School, NSD Public School, and Mother’s Pride Public School were operating classes for grades 9 to 12 without recognition.

“In Shekhar Public School alone, 20 students were found enrolled in Class 11 and 13 in Class 12,” said the official.

Officials said that the schools failed to provide basic fire safety arrangements as per the guidelines and were functioning in congested lanes. The qualifications of teachers present during the inspection did not meet prescribed norms.

The inquiry also found that schools were allegedly forcing students to purchase books from designated shops. “In one case, a parent alleged that her son and daughter were denied transfer certificates.

The school allegedly made unauthorised demands for issuing the certificates,” said an official.

Additionally, an unregistered tutorial class was also found running at one of the schools, catering to classes 9–12.

The inspection also flagged poor sanitation and lackof drinking water facilities in one school.

“The schools have been given three days to respond with explanations and supporting documents. Failure to comply will lead to administrative action,” said a DIOS official.

The education department has warned parents to verify recognition status before admitting their children. “Operating unrecognised classes is a serious violation and compromises the future of students,” the official added.