Delhi Govt Warns Vikaspuri School Of Takeover Over Fire Safety Lapses, Fee Irregularities | Education and Career News
Last Updated:
According tot the Delhi govt, the school was found operating 43 classrooms without mandatory fire safety clearance, running large unauthorised tin-shed structures.
Some classrooms had only a single exit, while the designated access route for fire engines and emergency vehicles was found completely blocked. (Representational/File)
The Delhi Government has issued a show cause notice to the management of a private school in Vikaspuri after a surprise inspection uncovered serious safety violations and alleged financial irregularities.
According to the release, the school was found operating 43 classrooms without mandatory fire safety clearance, running large unauthorised tin-shed structures, illegally extracting groundwater, underpaying teachers and delaying salaries, imposing unauthorised fee hikes, and conducting senior secondary classes without valid recognition.
Delhi Education Minister Shri Ashish Sood has directed the Department of Education (DoE) to initiate the strictest possible action against the school’s management.
The school has been given seven days to submit its response, failing which the government will move to take over its management.
Education Minister Shri Ashish Sood said, “Our government has absolute zero tolerance for any compromise on the safety of our children. This school was operating dozens of illegal classrooms with zero fire safety clearance, putting thousands of young lives at risk daily. When an institution constructs hazardous structures, loots public funds, underpays its teachers, and ignores the law, we will act decisively. We are prepared to completely take over the management to protect our students.”
A surprise inspection by a DoE committee revealed widespread lapses in safety, financial management, and administrative compliance.
According to the release, the school had a Fire NOC for only 39 rooms but was operating 82 rooms, meaning 43 classrooms were functioning without any fire safety clearance. The inspection also found a large unauthorised tin-shed structure comprising 30 rooms, along with an illegal basement and an unauthorised third floor.
Some classrooms had only a single exit, while the designated access route for fire engines and emergency vehicles was found completely blocked. The school was also operating an unauthorised borewell on its premises without permission, in violation of environmental and National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines, the release stated.
The school’s provisional recognition for its senior secondary classes expired on March 31, 2023, yet it has continued operating these classes for more than three years, potentially jeopardising the academic future of its students.
Fee Hikes
The inspection also found that the school repeatedly increased fees without DoE approval, including unauthorised hikes of 20 to 25 per cent during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also arbitrarily doubled “Smart Classroom Fees” to collect additional money from parents.
Despite generating significant financial surpluses, the school allegedly failed to pay teachers in accordance with government pay scales and delayed staff salaries by up to four months.
The release further alleged opaque and nepotistic management practices, stating that the school’s governing body comprised close family members, creating serious conflicts of interest. It also failed to produce identification documents for verification.
The Directorate of Education has asked the school’s management to explain why the government should not initiate immediate takeover proceedings under Section 20 of the Delhi School Education Act (DSEA), 1973.
According to the release, officials have also recommended that the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) immediately cancel the lease of the highly concessional public land allotted to the school.
About the Author
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, …Read More
Read More