The Maharashtra state education department has launched an investigation following a complaint that the British-era Our Lady of Good Counsel School near Sion railway station is operating in an unauthorised building. The department has directed the education section of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) to examine the matter and submit a report. The FPJ has a copy of the state education department’s order.
Established in 1939, the school has come under scrutiny due to an inquiry under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which revealed that the school possesses only a temporary occupation certificate (OC). For any school to operate, essential documents such as the property card, building commencement certificate, and an approved building plan are mandatory.
Nitin Dalvi, President of the Maharashtra Parents, Teachers, and Students Association and an advocate for education rights, initially lodged a complaint with the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR). The Commission subsequently instructed both the school administration and the MCGM’s education department to submit legal documentation verifying the legitimacy of the school’s premises. In response, the school provided only a temporary OC for the land but failed to produce other required documents.
In light of the school’s failure to furnish adequate documentation, Dalvi suspected irregularities and consequently filed an RTI request with the executive engineer (planning & development) of the MCGM seeking official records of ownership documents, layout plans, and building approvals.
The official response from the BMC, as obtained by the Free Press Journal, confirmed that there was no record of an approved building plan in its archives. Efforts to reach the school administration for a statement were unsuccessful, as officials remained unresponsive.
Furthermore, concerns regarding student safety have led to calls for the relocation of students to a legally recognised institution. Dalvi highlighted the significant risks posed by the school’s location, stating “The school building is situated at the foothills of a hill in Sion, adding a high risk of landslides or structural collapse.” He warned that should the government fail to take appropriate action to ensure student safety and relocate them to a recognised school, it would be held accountable for any future casualties. Additionally, Dalvi has indicated his willingness to pursue legal action against the government if necessary.
The matter remains under investigation, with the Education Department expected to provide further clarity on the legitimacy of the school’s operation and any necessary corrective measures.
