Government Orders Database and Weekly Inspections of Private Unaided Schools; Details to Be Uploaded on M-Paridarshan App

PTI, July 30, 2026, Kolkata: The state School Education Department has ordered stricter monitoring of private unaided schools across West Bengal, directing district school inspectors to step up inspections and enforce compliance with statutory norms.

The directive asks all District Inspectors of Schools (Primary and Secondary) to prepare and verify a comprehensive district-wise database of private unaided schools.

The move follows a review meeting held on July 15 under the chairmanship of the School Education Minister, where concerns were raised that some private schools were operating without the required state recognition and that some institutions might not be complying with the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and the West Bengal Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2012.

District Inspectors have been asked to ensure regular inspections of government and private unaided schools and personally inspect at least one such school every week.

Priority verification has also been ordered for private unaided schools reporting zero enrolment in UDISE+, government and government-aided schools with zero enrolment, and schools with a UDISE code but without the prescribed state recognition.

Inspecting officers have been directed to assess student enrolment, teacher strength, teacher-student ratio, infrastructure, fire and structural safety, drinking water and sanitation, library, laboratory and playground facilities, accessibility, child protection measures and compliance with the RTE Act and Rules.

The department has also directed that details of all private unaided schools be uploaded on the M-Paridarshan App once the required provision is made.

Inspection reports, along with geo-tagged photographs, will then be uploaded digitally for monitoring.

Recognised schools must allow authorised government officers to conduct inspections.

If any school obstructs or refuses entry to an authorised officer, the matter must be reported immediately and police assistance may be sought, if required.