A file photo of children arriving at school in Bengaluru.
The Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) has invited online applications for the renewal of recognition (RR) of aided and unaided schools for the year 2025-26.
However, private school managements have objected to making building safety, fire safety and land conversion certificates mandatory for RR schools started before 2017-18, even as the case is pending in the High Court.
As per the Karnataka Education Act, 1983 and the Karnataka Educational Institutions (Recognition of Primary and Secondary Schools) Rules, 1999, it is mandatory for all private and aided schools to submit an application for first recognition/re-recognition with necessary documents within the stipulated time. If any school is operating without recognition, the government will intervene.
Fake certificates were submitted
In this regard, online applications have been invited for recognition of new schools and renewal of existing schools; physical applications will not be accepted for any reason.
In some districts, school authorities have allegedly uploaded fake building safety certificates, fire safety certificates, land redevelopment certificates and other documents online. The DSEL then instructed the Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) to contact the concerned department and verify the authenticity of the certificates.
Objection of private schools
D. Shashikumar, general secretary of Karnataka Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools (KAMS), said that since the case regarding submission of fire safety, building safety and land conversion certificates for RR is still pending in the High Court, private schools should be given conditional RR.
“Earlier on September 6, 2024, a meeting of various departments headed by Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary to the Government was held and a decision was taken on fire safety, building safety and other issues. However, the authorities have not yet implemented them. Besides, another meeting was held on July 24, 2025, which was headed by the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government and Giise formed a committee of the Government and revision. earlier orders fire and construction safety. However, the department has not taken any steps to implement it,” Mr. Shashikumar said, adding that it could lead to bullying of school management.
Legislative Committee
Meanwhile, MLC Puttanna petitioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on October 10 this year to form a “legislative committee” to resolve renewal recognition and other issues faced by private school managements that started before 2017-18.
The Chief Minister has directed the Principal Secretary, School Education Department, to look into this request and take necessary action.
“I am happy that the Chief Minister has agreed to form a legislative committee. Therefore, the private schools should be given conditional RR till the committee submits its report,” urged Mr. Shashikumar.
Published – 21 Oct 2025 20:41 IST
