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After the demise of former Minority Development minister Ajit Pawar, the issue of granting minority status certificates to several educational trusts in Maharashtra has created a stir. At the center of this dispute, 20 trusts' schools whose approvals were put on hold have now been directed to keep 25 percent of their seats reserved for children from socio, economically underprivileged families under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

Since minority- run institutions are exempted from the RTE Act, which requires private unaided schools to allocate 25 percent of their seats to students from economically weaker and disadvantaged sections of society, these schools had no such requirement. However, as the minority status of these trusts has been suspended temporarily for investigation, the exemption will not be valid anymore.

Acting on a list recently issued by the Minority Development Department, the Directorate of Primary Education has directed district-level officials to identify schools run by the 20 trusts and include them in the RTE admission portal if they had earlier been excluded on account of minority status, according to Director of Primary Education Sharad Gosavi.

“The list includes 20 trusts. Each trust may run one or more schools, some of which could be primary schools. Local officers have been asked to verify the schools and include them in the system accordingly,” he told this newspaper.

Among the trusts whose minority status certificates have been kept in abeyance are Shri Mata Kanyaka Seva Sanstha in Chandrapur; Sevadas Maharaj Shikshan Prasarak Mandal and Shrimati Laxmibai Raghogi Ingle Shikshan Prasarak Mandal in Yavatmal; multiple Podar trust institutions based in Parel, Mumbai; Danish Welfare Society in Amravati; Azad Education and Multipurpose Sanstha in Buldhana; and Gurukul Pisa Foundation in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, apart from education societies located in Thane, Gondia, Nagpur and Kolhapur.

Of the 20 trusts, six are located in Mumbai district — the highest in the state — followed by four in Yavatmal and two in Thane, while one trust each is located in Chandrapur, Amravati, Buldhana, Nagpur, Gondia, Kolhapur, Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Officials said the move is likely to increase the number of seats available under the RTE admission process, which is currently underway in Maharashtra.

“If any of the newly added schools fall within a one-kilometre radius of a child’s residence, parents can apply for admission there,” Gosavi said, adding that applicants should keep checking the RTE admission website as the system is updated. The current application window will remain open until March 10.

 The exact number of additional seats that will become available under the RTE quota is not yet known. “The number will be clear only after these schools are reflected in the RTE admission system,” Gosavi added.

The development comes in the backdrop of a controversy over the issuance of minority status certificates to several educational trusts in the state. Questions were raised after minority status approvals were issued to dozens of trusts within a short period around the time of Ajit Pawar’s death on January 28, prompting allegations of irregularities.

Following the controversy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered that the approvals be kept in abeyance pending review, while Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar directed a detailed inquiry into the process. Milind Shenoy, Deputy Secretary in the Minority Development Department, whose digital signature appears on all the uploaded certificates, was transferred on administrative grounds following the controversy. This week, Ruchesh Jaivanshi, Secretary of the department, was also transferred, although the government did not link the move to the controversy.

The Minority Development Department, however, has defended the approvals. As first reported by The Indian Express on February 22, the department told the Chief Secretary that most of the certificates that appeared to have been issued between January 28 and January 30 were uploaded after technical errors in the MahaIT portal, which had delayed the generation of digital minority status certificates, were rectified. The department called reports saying the approval process was random "fake" and a lie. It said hearings and final picks for 19 of 20 trusts were done between Dec 24, 2025, and Jan 27, 2026, when Ajit Pawar was still alive and running the minority Development group.

Under the RTE Act, private schools in Maharashtra must set aside 25% of spots for kids from poor families, and the state covers the school fees.

These schools have always said no to required RTE admissions, because they get delayed payments from the state. Associations representing such schools claim that pending reimbursements have cumulatively crossed ₹2,000 crore.

Education activists say that minority status has increasingly become a route for private schools to avoid RTE obligations, since institutions run by minority trusts are exempt from the mandatory 25 per cent reservation under the law.

Minority status row: At a glance

Minority certificates of 20 trusts kept in abeyance amid a row over approvals issued around the time of Ajit Pawar’s death.

Their schools must now join the RTE admission process and reserve 25% seats for disadvantaged students.

Minority institutions are exempt from RTE, but the exemption does not apply while their status is under suspension.

District officials asked to add these schools to the RTE portal.

Trusts include: Shri Mata Kanyaka Seva Sanstha (Chandrapur), Sevadas Maharaj Shikshan Prasarak Mandal (Yavatmal), Shrimati Laxmibai Raghogi Ingle Shikshan Prasarak Mandal (Yavatmal), Danish Welfare Society (Amravati), Azad Education and Multipurpose Sanstha (Buldhana), Gurukul Pisa Foundation (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), and Podar trust institutions in Parel, Mumbai.

CBSE has decided to partially reschedule the Class 12 board exam and completely cancel the Class 10 board exam in the Middle East countries after a thorough consideration of the ongoing situation there.

The location based on the regions where the examination activity would be affected, the affected students shall be either given the board examinations cancellation or rescheduling of the board examinations. Further details will be announced by the board shortly.

Here is the list of the countries through which the sudden changes of the situation by the board, the affiliated schools, will be confronted and the authorities are even not sure about the condition of the situation:

Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

CLASS 10 EXAMS CANCELLED

All Class 10 students' exams scheduled to take place during the period March 07, 2026 to March 11, 2026 have been cancelled.

Moreover, the exam papers which were once postponed on March 02, 2026, March 05, 2026 and March 06, 2026 have also been cancelled.

The board has indicated that the method of announcing Class 10 results for candidates in the Middle East will be separately communicated. Besides, students and schools have been recommended to standby instructions on assessment results.

Class 12 Exams Postponed

For the Class 12 students, the exam which was till now fixed for 7th March, 2026 has been postponed. The board will share new exam dates later.

It has been informed by the board that they will review the situation on 7th March, 2026 and give instructions about the exams which have been scheduled from 9th March, 2026 onwards.

Students are advised to keep in touch with their respective schools and carefully follow the official communications until further changes are announced.

Schools and examination centres in the affected areas have been directed to implement the board's instructions. Parents and students are strongly advised to stay updated through only authorized channels in order to avoid fake news and rumors.

OFFICIAL CIRCULAR DETAILS

The decisions have been mentioned in Circular 3 issued under reference CBSE/CE/SPPS/2026/2 dated March 05, 2026.

In the circular, the principals of the schools affiliated with the board in the Middle East were addressed, and it was also mentioned that result updates and revised schedules will be shared separately.

The board has highlighted that these decisions were made after a comprehensive assessment of the current situation, with the safety and health of the students and the examination staff as the main concern.

More details about the alternative arrangements and revised examination schedules are expected to be shared by the board in the future.

A dispute over the new Social Science book for Class 8 intensified to such a level that the Supreme Court had to step in. After the intervention of the Supreme Court, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) stopped the book's sale and launched a recall process for the books already purchased.

A significant controversy had been raised by a new Class 8 Social Science textbook. The book had a chapter on the judiciary and some people did not agree with it. Eventually, the disagreement reached the point where the Supreme Court had to get involved. NCERT immediately stopped the book's sale and started a recall of the books already purchased. The whole thing has made students and their parents worried, but now it is said that the situation is really under control.

NCERT published the Class 8 Social Science textbook, *Exploring Society India and Beyond* (Part 2). One of the chapters in this book was named *Role of the Judiciary in Our Society*. This chapter discussed the topic *Corruption in the Judiciary*, which led to objections.

On hearing about this, the Supreme Court initiated suo motu cognizance of the case. The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, showed great disappointment over the content and declared that nobody will be allowed to defame the judiciary.

Issuing an order, the Supreme Court completely banned the further publication, reprinting, and digital distribution of the book. The court also stated that the principals of schools where the book has reached and the NCERT Director would be personally responsible for immediately confiscating and sealing all copies and reporting the matter to the court.

A total of 38 copies were sold within three days of the book's sale. After halting sales, NCERT began contacting all buyers. So far, 31 of the 38 copies have been recalled. The process of recalling the remaining copies is underway.

NCERT Secretary Himanshu Gupta issued an advisory requesting people to immediately remove any content from the controversial chapter of the book posted on social media or any digital platform. All buyers were also urged to return the book immediately.

Students and parents breathed a sigh of relief after the book was banned and copies were recalled. Now, there will be no confusion regarding this book in schools. NCERT may release revised material after a new review.

Looking for details on Narayana eTechno School Nayapalli Bhubaneswar? Located at A-62/1, Unit-8, beside HDFC Bank in Nayapalli, this English-medium school serves families across Bhubaneswar searching for CBSE schools in Nayapalli, best primary schools near Unit-8, or English medium options in Odisha. From Nursery to Class X, it follows Narayana Group's structured approach. Here's a straightforward guide based on available school information for parents comparing local options.

About Narayana eTechno School Nayapalli

Narayana eTechno School Nayapalli is part of the Narayana Group, founded in 1979 by Dr. P. Narayana with a focus on competitive exam prep and holistic growth. The Nayapalli branch operates as a day scholar school (no hostel mentioned) from early morning to 5 PM. It emphasizes "360° Learning" through tech-enabled classes, activity-based methods, and parent connectivity via the nConnect app. The curriculum builds basics for CBSE board exams while adding life skills, sports, and arts. 

Rankings and Achievements

Narayana schools are known across India for strong results in IIT-JEE, NEET, and Olympiads, though specific Nayapalli branch rankings aren't listed. The group claims consistent top performances through micro-scheduling and learner support. Parents often note good discipline and exam focus in reviews. Social feeds highlight student projects on history, AI, and culture, showing active engagement.

Curriculum and Fee Structure

The school divides learning into age-specific programs under CBSE:

• E-Kidz (Preschool): Nursery, PP1 (LKG), PP2 (UKG) – play-based with phonics (Fitzroy Reading), circle time, and motor skills.
• eChamps (Primary): Classes 1-5 – activity learning, projects, tech lessons, art integration.
• eTechno (Secondary): Classes 6-10 – exam prep with labs, critical thinking.
• Sr. Secondary: Up to Class 12 (if available locally).

Fees aren't publicly detailed but align with Narayana's affordable range (typically ₹50,000-₹1.5 lakhs/year depending on grade; confirm via enquiry). Includes books, activities; scholarships possible for merit.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to day scholars. Age-based entry: Nursery 3+ years. Higher classes need prior reports. No specific entrance mentioned for primary; older grades may have tests. Teachers trained per CBSE guidelines; support for slower learners via worksheets, mentorship (Adoption Calling, Learner Support Program).

Admission Procedure

1. Visit the school 
2. Fill the admission form 
3. Wait for the shortlisted students list
4. Pay the admission fees

Infrastructure and Campus Life

Central Nayapalli location near HDFC Bank offers:

• Safety: CCTV in classes/corridors, guards at gates.
• Facilities: Computer labs, playground for basketball/skating/karate, music/dance/drama rooms, visual arts.
• Daily Routine: Two breaks for meals (teachers ensure kids eat nutritious packed lunch), circle time, assemblies for confidence.
• Holistic Focus: Life skills, Nutri-Deal meals program, learning stations for collaboration.

The school runs regular events, parent visits by appointment.

Faculty

Certified CBSE-trained teachers with in-house programs on child psychology, phonics, pedagogy. Low ratios for attention; ongoing training keeps methods current. Focus: Hands-on help, bubble groups for reading/writing.

Who Might Choose This School

Parents in Nayapalli/Unit-8 wanted a structured CBSE with tech, sports (basketball, karate), arts, and parent apps. Good for exam-oriented families balancing play and studies.

Who Might Look Elsewhere

Boarding seekers, low-fee govt schools, or international curriculum (IB/IGCSE) families.

Conclusion

Narayana eTechno School Nayapalli provides CBSE education with safety, activities, and support in central Bhubaneswar. Call 18001023344 or visit A-62/1 Unit-8 to check fit. Weigh location, fees, and focus via PTM.

A small child fell without warning while playing at her private school in Nagaur, Rajasthan, on February 23. She was only nine years old when she passed away shortly afterward, according to local authorities.

Early that morning, just after seven forty eight, everything happened near the gates of Gotan International School. A girl named Divya, from fifth grade, did not survive what followed. Her father, Rajendra Bapedia, lives in a small settlement called Talanpur. Moments before classes began, the air turned heavy with silence.

That morning, Divya showed up at school like any other day. Before the assembly started, a few kids were hanging around outside, tossing a ball back and forth. Out of nowhere, she tripped, then dropped straight down, unconscious. Witnesses say it happened fast, right near the steps.

Right away, teachers and school workers ran to help, then called her relatives. The trip to Government Hospital in Gotan happened fast. But by arrival, doctors said she had already passed.

Suspected Cardiac Arrest

A possible heart failure might explain the death, yet authorities noted clarity would come later through tests and deeper review. No outside wounds showed up right away.

A hush fell over the neighborhood after the girl passed so fast. Not one person saw it coming, her friends said she was always moving, laughing, full of life. Teachers remembered her voice during lessons, steady and bright. No warnings, just silence where noise used to be.

Finding out what happened waits on the doctors paperwork, say officers now handling steps as required. The school folks offered sorrow for the loss, standing ready to help however needed till things become clear.

What happened brought back worries. Kids can get sick fast, schools aren't always ready. A quick medical reaction matters more than most think. Slow help could mean big trouble. Some places still lack strong plans. This time it showed clearly. Response gaps exist where they shouldn't. Few expected it here. Others saw it coming. Time plays a bigger role than people assume. Waiting even minutes changes outcomes. Training staff makes a difference. So does having tools nearby. One delay leads to another. Schools must act before a crisis hits. Not after.

Looking for details on KiiT International School Bhubaneswar? Located on KIIT Campus-9 in Patia, this school offers education from Nursery to Class 12 for parents in Odisha seeking local and international options. Here's a straightforward guide based on the school's website, covering what matters most to families researching schools in Bhubaneswar or IB schools in Odisha.

About the School

KiiT International School (KiiTIS) follows three main boards: CBSE for Classes I-XII, Cambridge IGCSE for middle/secondary, and IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Classes XI-XII. It also has IPYP for early years and KinderOrland for Nursery-UKG. Started as part of the KIIT Group, the school focuses on overall child growth—academics, emotions, and social skills. Founder Prof. Achyuta Samanta built it alongside KIIT University and KISS. The motto is "Selfless Service, Endless Learning," with a campus that serves about 2,300 students.

Rankings and Achievements

The school ranks No. 1 in Odisha according to Academic Insights magazine and was listed No. 9 in India among residential schools by Education Today (2021). It holds accreditations from IBYB, UNESCO ASPNet, and UCAS. Notable visitors include Nobel laureates Prof. Ferid Murad and Prof. J George Bednorz, author Ruskin Bond (school ambassador), and former ISRO chief Dr. K Radhakrishnan. Students have 100% pass rates, and alumni attend top colleges worldwide.

Courses Offered and Fee Structure

Parents can choose based on child's needs:

• KinderOrland: Play-based for ages 3-5.
• CBSE: Standard Indian curriculum up to Class 12.
• IGCSE/IB: International options for global focus.

The school has 170+ facilities like labs and sports areas. Fees for residential students range around ₹3-5 lakhs per year (check kiitis.ac.in/fee-structure for current figures, as they vary by grade and board). Scholarships are available through the KAST test.

Eligibility Criteria

Entry is open to all. Basic requirements include age limits (Nursery 3+ years) and school reports for higher classes. IBDP needs good grades from previous international programs. The school tests aptitude via KiiTIS Admission cum Scholarship Test (KAST).

Admission Procedure

Visit kiitis.ac.in/admissions to apply online. Submit documents like birth certificate and reports, then take KAST or interview. Results appear on the site. Boarding is available with house parents for safety.

Infrastructure and Campus Life

The eco-friendly green campus spans KIIT grounds with:

• AC Wi-Fi hostels (homely rooms, separate for boys/girls).
• Classrooms, science/IT labs, sports fields (cricket, swimming, yoga).
• Library, auditorium, canteen, medical room.
• 24/7 security; weekend outings/shopping.

Daily routine: Classes, clubs (debate, eco, music), fitness, service projects (Art of Giving). PTMs keep parents updated. Excursions build teamwork. Safe for boarders from outside Odisha.

Faculty

Teachers are qualified with low student ratios. They use methods from top global schools to encourage thinking and skills beyond books.

Who Might Choose This School

Parents okay with residential setup and interested in IB/IGCSE alongside CBSE. Good for families wanting structured global prep in Bhubaneswar.

Who Might Look Elsewhere

Local day-school seekers or those on tight budgets preferring government options.

KiiT International School provides solid choices in Bhubaneswar with international boards and facilities. Visit kiitis.ac.in or contact +91 78949 05658 for latest info. Parents should check fees and visit to see if it fits.