Scrutiny post-snakebite deaths
Nagpur: The state tribal development department has flagged 11 ashram schools in Vidarbha, among 15 across Maharashtra, for failing to meet prescribed norms during audits of privately run but govt-funded institutions operating under the ‘nominated schools’ category ashramshalas. These 15 ashramshalas were getting audited to continue their ‘recognition’ under the department’s scheme. Of the 11 schools flagged in Vidarbha, two each are located in Gadchiroli, Nagpur and Buldhana districts, while one each is in Bhandara, Chandrapur, Wardha, Yavatmal and Amravati. Under recent govt resolutions, nominated schools must reserve up to 50% of their residential capacity for students admitted under the scheme and maintain a 50:50 ratio between scheme beneficiaries and non-scheme students. The nominated schools scheme has been in operation since 2009, with the selection criteria and fee structure revised in 2018. A committee headed by secretary, tribal development, decides on continuation of recognition and admission of new schools, and was reconstituted under a GR issued in April 2025.
The scrutiny comes amid the state’s push for comprehensive audits of all schools seeking renewal of recognition following the death of three girls from a residential school in Gadchiroli on August 10 due to snakebite. due to the Gadchiroli tragedy the scrutiny has now increased manifold While the renewal audit is a routine practice. Preliminary findings revealed the students did not have beds to sleep on, despite govt provisions for such facilities. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Nagpur | Silver Rate in Nagpur | Bank Holidays in Nagpur | Public Holidays in Nagpur | Petrol Price in Nagpur | Diesel Price in Nagpur | CNG Price in Nagpur | LPG Price in Nagpur Stay updated with the latest Nagpur news.
Officials believe proper infrastructure could have reduced the risk, prompting a tighter review of residential school facilities across the state. The remaining four schools that failed to meet norms are located in Latur, Dhule, Ahilyanagar and Palghar districts. Separately, one school in Parbhani district had its recognition cancelled after the institution informed the department it did not wish to continue under the scheme. Under the prescribed process, schools that fail audits are subjected to on-site inspections, after which they are given a deadline to rectify deficiencies. If shortcomings persist, inspection teams submit reports and recommendations to senior officials, who then issue show-cause notices to the managements. Following hearings, the department decides whether to recommend cancellation of recognition to the state govt. If recognition is withdrawn, affected students are shifted to other approved institutions. Parents who choose to keep their children in non-recognised schools become ineligible for benefits under the scheme. The nominated schools scheme allows Scheduled Tribe (ST) students to study in privately managed English-medium residential schools selected by the tribal development department, with the govt paying fees on their behalf. Download the TOI App.