New Delhi: Students in several city schools now face an uncertain future after Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) revoked the affiliation of 21 schools, including 16 in Delhi. These schools were found to be involved in the practice of "dummy admissions," which enabled students preparing for competitive exams to bypass mandatory class attendance.
Surprise inspections uncovered these enrolments, prompting CBSE to take decisive action. In addition to the revocations, six schools in Delhi were downgraded from senior secondary to secondary level.
While parents argue that their children are being unfairly penalised despite no fault of their own, some school authorities contend that the inspections were flawed, taking place during the middle of half-yearly exams when students were on preparatory leave.
"My son attends Khemo Devi Public School in Narela, and now that the school is under scrutiny, I'm deeply concerned about his future. If it's true that students in higher classes have been skipping school, those who actually attend shouldn't have to bear the consequences. The school's reputation is now in question, and that will impact every student enrolled there," said Pradeep, a concerned parent.
Another parent said, "My son is in Class XI, so he will be directly affected by this situation. I've been trying to reach the school authorities, but they have no clear answers. I was told that my son will be transferred to another school for Class XII, and that the decision will be beyond our control."
Some schools have claimed that the surprise inspections were poorly timed, as they coincided with the half-yearly exams during which students were on preparatory leave. "We gave the inspection team all the reasons and documentation they asked for on the same day itself. We even showed them the exam datesheet that had preparatory leaves marked on it. We have always followed all CBSE guidelines, why will we not do it this time? Such a direction puts the futures of a lot of children in jeopardy," said Vandana Sharma, principal of The Vivekanand School in Narela, which is one of the 16 city schools under scrutiny.
Getting teary-eyed, she added, "My phone hasn't stopped ringing since this news came out. Parents have been calling me incessantly asking me what it means and for a way ahead. I am trying my best to comfort them at this hour. After all, it's about their kids. We will present our stand in front of CBSE and will hope for a resolution."
Staff members of a school in outer Delhi also claimed that the inspection team did not treat them fairly or professionally. "They treated us like criminals, holding a camera in our faces every time we spoke. They were also rude and disrespectful. This entire inspection process was poorly handled, and CBSE should not issue such directives without considering all the factors involved," said a staff member.
He questioned, "If the inspection findings are accurate, how is it possible that 21 schools have the exact same issue? The problem for all the schools is identical, with no distinction between one school and another."
The board has issued show-cause notices to the affected schools, giving them 30 days to provide a response. The final status of these schools will be re-evaluated based on their replies. The future of many students hangs in the balance as they await the outcome.