Mumbai: The state government on Saturday cancelled the registration of Shree Hanumat Vidya Mandir in Vasai East for both Hindi and English mediums following an inquiry into the death of a Class 6 student Kajal Gaud (13) on Nov 14 at J J Hospital, a week after she was made to do 100 sit-ups with her schoolbag on her back by her class teacher for being late to school by 10 minutes. The school cannot enrol students from the academic year 2026-27, said officials.During the inquiry, several serious irregularities came to light such as the school structure being unauthorised, the illegal enrolments of class 9 and 10 students, and the absence of a student safety panel. Further, the school did not employ educated and trained teachers or conduct their character verification.After a hearing held in the first week of Dec before the Director of Education (Secondary and Higher Secondary), Maharashtra State, Pune, three officials of Vasai Panchayat Samiti’s education department were suspended by the Palghar Zilla Parishad as the inquiry report found them negligent in discharging their duties. The suspension order said that the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, was not adhered to by the school and this was not escalated by Pandurang Galange, block education officer of Vasai Panchayat Samiti; Rajendra Ubale, extension officer, education; and Kailash Chavan, center incharge of Waliv and Manikpur. The teacher was arrested earlier.During the hearing, the recommendation to withdraw the school’s recognition was also submitted to the government, which was approved on Saturday.
Join The Discussion