Panvel: The Panvel Block Education Department, in coordination with the local police, has intensified its Action against educational institutions operating without official permits. Following the major crackdown on five unauthorized schools in January, authorities have now booked the management and principals of two more prominent schools for running illegal operations.

The latest cases involve Sunrise English School in Wavanje and Navjeevan International School in Kharpada. According to Panvel block Education Officer Shahu Satpal, both institutions were functioning without mandatory government approvals and lacked a valid UDISE (Unified District Information System for Education) number, which is essential for any recognized school.

The Panvel Taluka police have registered separate cases against those responsible. At Sunrise English School, founder Irfan Sheikh and principal Maria Daruwale have been booked. In the case of Navjeevan International School, operated under the Sai Ganesh Education Society, action has been taken against the management, its president, and the principal.

Authorities have invoked Sections 318(4) and 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, along with provisions of the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Officials stated that running an unrecognized school is a serious violation, attracting strict penalties, including a fine of Rs 10,000 per day, along with substantial lump-sum charges.

This second wave of action within the same academic year points to a larger, deep-rooted issue of unauthorized schools operating in the Panvel region. Despite earlier warnings and enforcement measures, some institutions allegedly continued to mislead parents and secure admissions through illegal practices.

With the number of booked schools rising to seven this year, the Education Department has issued a strong advisory to parents. Officials have urged them to verify a school’s legal status and ensure proper affiliation with the Block Education Office before enrolling their children, emphasizing vigilance to avoid falling prey to fraudulent institutions.