CIC Recommends Surprise Inspections of CBSE Schools to Check Dummy Admissions

The Central Information Commission has recommended surprise inspections of CBSE-affiliated schools to check alleged dummy admissions and ensure compliance with mandatory attendance rules.

The recommendation came in a recent order by Information Commissioner Sudha Rani Relangi that directed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to conduct surprise inspections of schools after an RTI complaint alleging that some schools issue certificates to students who do not regularly attend classes.

Why has the CIC recommended surprise inspections?

The RTI application alleged that schools conduct “dummy admissions” and enroll students who do not physically appear for classes and exams. This is a concern because it is alleged that these students do not meet the prescribed minimum attendance norms set by the CBSE.

The CIC recommended surprise inspections to probe allegations of violation of attendance norms by schools affiliated to CBSE. Her recommendation was based on Section 25(5) of the RTI Act, 2005.

In her recommendation, the CIC did not confirm allegations against any school or that CBSE has initiated a fresh inspection drive for such violations.

What happened to the RTI application?

The RTI application sought information on rules regarding attendance of students in private missionary schools in Bhopal, including choice of subjects and prescribed books.

The RTI application was initially rejected by the CBSE Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) citing irregularities with the Indian Postal Order submitted along with the request.

The CIC noted that technical reasons for rejecting an RTI application are against the spirit of the RTI Act and directed the CPIO to respond to the queries in a point-wise manner. The latter apologised for the inconvenience caused and shared the requested information with the complainant in a point-wise format.

What are the CBSE’s rules on attendance for board exams?

According to the CBSE’s Affiliation Bye-Laws, 2018, students must maintain regular attendance in accordance with the minimum prescribed norms, which allows them to appear for the board exams.

By the same rule, however, the CBSE is prohibited from conducting board examinations for people who do not regularly attend classes or fail to meet the minimum attendance requirements.

What does the CIC’s recommendation mean for CBSE schools?

The recommendation highlights concerns over laxity in enforcing attendance requirements and “dummy admissions” by affiliated schools. Surprise inspections by the CBSE would enable authorities to review school records and verify whether the institutions have maintained proper records or violated the norms by admitting students who do not meet attendance requirements.

For now, it is best to treat the CIC’s recommendation as a suggestion for inspections, rather than a confirmation of a fresh drive. What happens next will depend on the actions of the CBSE.