Org demands closure of 37 unregistered schools in ICR

Staff REPORTER

ITANAGAR, May 09: The Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) unit of Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF) has demanded the immediate closure of 37 unregistered private schools operating “illegally” in the Capital city.

This ACF made the demand while addressing a news conference at the Press Club here on Thursday, where the forum highlighted the pressing issue of unregistered private schools within the ICR.

According to the ACF, out of the 127 private schools in ICR, a troubling 37 are reportedly functioning without proper government registration, raising serious legal and safety concerns.

ACF president Ha Tago emphasized the detrimental impact of declining government schools, leading to increased reliance on private education, especially among lower-income families. Tago stressed the need for stringent guidelines, including ensuring a safe and secure environment, a requirement that many of these unregistered schools fail to meet.

“While most private schools in ICR operate with proper documentation, the existence of these 37 unregistered schools poses a significant threat to the educational landscape. There is a need for immediate closure of these illegal institutions to protect the interests and well-being of students,” Tago said.

Concerns were also raised regarding the lack of essential facilities such as CCTV cameras, proper sanitation, and fire safety measures in several private schools across ICR, as well as laxity in background checks and qualifications of teachers during recruitment.

“This neglect of basic safety standards not only compromises student well-being but also reflects poorly on the commitment of school authorities to prioritize student safety,” the ACF president said.

The Foundation has further appealed to the directors of school and elementary education to issue closure notices to all the 37 schools within a stipulated time frame of 10 days.

The list provided by the ICR deputy director of school education (DDSE) identifies several of these unregistered schools, including Aab Tebw Residential English School, Agepe Public School, April Blossom Foundation, Arunachal Valley Public School, Bethany English School, Bright Hill School, Budding Kids English School, Care Foundation School, Chimpu Valley, City Mission School,  Evenezer Mission School, Goyi Memorial School, Happy Country Kids Pre-School, Highland Academy, Holy Child School, K Blooming CWSN School, Kiddie Cloud Play Home Pre-School, Kidzee Kids Angel School, Mount Moriah Residential School, National Public School, Natkhat Play Home Pre-School, Rising Sun English School, Rockford School, S S Garden of Knowledge Play Home, Sacred Heart School, Sansys Smart School Tots, Smart Kids Pre-School, St Claret School, St Mary Mission School, St Mary Pre-Primary School, Tarang Academy, Christ King Academy, Toddler's Garden Pre-School, Toko Rehab Centre, Trinity Mission School, V P Foundation School and Vrindavan Day Care Centre.