Delhi Govt Issues Show-Cause Notice to Rohini School Over Safety Lapses, Fee Violations
The Delhi government has served a show-cause notice to a private school in Rohini, asking why its management should not be taken over following a surprise inspection that flagged serious fire-safety lapses, financial irregularities, and unauthorised use of premises.
The Directorate of Education (DoE) issued the notice to the management of Private Global School after a joint inspection by officers from the education department, the Revenue Department, and other Delhi government agencies. According to a government statement, the school's initial explanations were examined but found to be “evasive” and “unsatisfactory”, indicating a continuing pattern of non-compliance. The statement did not include the school management's response to the allegations.
During the inspection, the management allegedly obstructed officials from carrying out their duties, refused to provide statutory documents such as land deeds and building approvals, and did not allow officials to interact privately with students.
Among the most serious findings were alleged fire and safety violations. The school was reportedly operating without a valid Fire Safety Certificate, and fire extinguishers and first-aid supplies on the premises had expired. Inspectors also allegedly found sulphuric acid and other hazardous chemicals left unattended in the chemistry laboratory.
The government further claimed that an underground parking basement had been converted into 18 academic rooms without authorisation. Music and dance classes, STEM and robotics laboratories, and a CBSE examination centre were also allegedly being operated from the basement.
Financial records have also come under scrutiny. Despite reporting cumulative losses of more than Rs 15.60 crore, the school allegedly made high-value payments to firms whose credentials could not be verified. The management was accused of using development reserve funds to purchase luxury mobile phones worth Rs 22.23 lakh and clearing unverified unsecured loans of Rs 3.25 crore.
A commercial swimming pool open to outsiders was allegedly being operated on the school premises without required fire-safety clearances. Officials also reported an unauthorised commercial kitchen on the rooftop with an Indraprastha Gas Limited piped-gas connection.
The notice also questions the school's fee structure. The management allegedly imposed an unauthorised fee increase of 15 per cent and collected advance and capitation fees totalling Rs 1,98,30,470 as of March 31, 2025.
Recruitment practices were flagged as well. Of the 170 teaching staff members, 80 were allegedly employed on a contractual basis. The government claimed that nearly half the teachers were hired without following mandatory recruitment rules and transparent selection procedures.
The inspection team also reported inadequate sports infrastructure, neglected library facilities, unhygienic washrooms, and salty drinking water. The school allegedly had no accessibility facilities for children with special needs, according to the government.
Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood said strict action will be taken against school managements that violate the law or exploit students and parents. “Schools are temples of learning, not commercial hubs. We will never compromise with the safety, security and future of our children,” Sood said. “Financial irregularities, commercial misuse of premises, and playing with the safety of students will not be tolerated at any cost.”
The notice has been issued under several provisions of the Delhi School Education Act and Rules. The school has been given a specific time frame to respond, after which the government may decide on further action, including takeover of the school's management.
