In Mal and Malihabad, unrecognised schools account for more students than government schools. They are openly admitting students for even senior classes while the attendance in the government schools is abysmal.

The facts were revealed during a surprise check by Kamla Singh Chauhan, Joint Director Secondary Education.

Sample this: In Rajkiya Inter College, Mal, the Chauhan found that less than half the registered students were attending the classes.

In Class VII, of 63 registered students 31were attending classes; in Class IX, 50 were present out of 78; in Class X, there were just 46 out of 82 and in Class XII, there were just 37 students present out of 71 enrolled students. The situation was similar in Rajkiya Balika Ucchatar Madhyamik School, Malihabad.

Further investigation revealed that there were around 8 to 10 unregistered schools in the area that were admitting students even for the board classes.

“It is these schools that later on create trouble during board examination. We have asked all school District Inspectors of Lucknow division to begin identifying such schools in their areas and register FIRs against them,” said Chauhan.

Registered for only boys, the Classic Montessori School admitted girls as well till Class XII.

“Since the school is registered for just boys, the admission of girls will be considered illegal and the students will have to appear as private candidates,” said Chauhan. “We have found various other schools in the areas as well, which are not registered. Thus, I have ordered the District Inspector of School to immediately start the inspection and take action against such schools.”