The School Education Department has not renewed the recognition of even a single school in Coimbatore in the last one year. An application filed under the Right To Information Act reveals that while 25 schools had submitted files during 2014 seeking renewal of recognition, the Department failed to clear even one.

Private schools have to renew their recognition every three years. The education of thousands of students was at risk since Section 18 (1) of the Right to Education (RTE) Act prohibited schools from functioning without recognition, said R. Lakshmanasamy, president of Pollachi Private Schools Welfare Association, who filed the petition.

Further, he also cast doubt on the veracity of the information provided by the Directorate of Elementary Education. Of the 230-odd schools in the district, he said that at least around 80 would be applying to renew their recognition every year. He termed the figure of 25 as an underestimate.

He said that the RTI application showed that 91 files out of total 99 submitted were cleared during 2012-13. All but one of the 54 files submitted in 2013-14 were cleared.

Mr. Lakshmanasamy said that the schools that were yet to renew their recognition would also have difficulties in obtaining the fee reimbursements for students admitted under the RTE Act.

These schools would also face problems in obtaining free bus and train passes, electricity concession and in issuing Transfer Certificate for students.

When contacted, District Elementary Education Officer P. Ghandhimathi said that the schools would not have fulfilled all the conditions mandated by the Government norms.

There would be several lacunas in infrastructure facilities which cannot be over-looked while granting or renewing recognition.