Section 18 of RTE Act : Section 18: No School To Be Established Without Obtaining Certificate Of Recognition

Explanation using Example

Imagine a group of educators decide to open a new private school, "Future Scholars Academy," in a town. Before they can start enrolling students, according to Section 18(1) of The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, they must first apply for and obtain a certificate of recognition from the appropriate authority by following the prescribed application process.

Upon application, as per Section 18(2), the authority reviews their application to ensure that "Future Scholars Academy" meets the necessary norms and standards specified under section 19, such as adequate facilities and qualified teachers. If the criteria are met, the authority issues the certificate of recognition within the prescribed time frame.

If later on, it's found that "Future Scholars Academy" is not maintaining the required standards, like not having enough teachers or proper facilities, as per Section 18(3), the authority can withdraw their recognition after giving them a chance to be heard. The authority will also direct where the current students should be admitted to continue their education.

As stated in Section 18(4), from the date the recognition is withdrawn, "Future Scholars Academy" must cease operations. If the school ignores this and continues functioning, Section 18(5) clarifies that the operators of the school will face a fine of up to one lakh rupees, and if they persist, an additional fine of ten thousand rupees for each day the contravention continues.