- CBSE withdrew senior secondary affiliation from a Noida Sector 56 school due to irregularities
- Complaints included mental harassment, salary deductions, and indecent behaviour by the school
- A fact-finding committee confirmed the allegations against Uttrakhand Public School
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has stripped Uttarakhand Public School in Sector 56, Noida, of its affiliation up to the senior secondary level after a probe revealed a pattern of mental harassment, forced salary deductions, indecent behaviour toward female teachers, and blatant violations of workplace safety and service norms.
What began as whispers of discontent among the staff, mostly women, escalated into formal complaints that painted a grim picture of a school where educators felt trapped in a hostile environment.
Teachers alleged being subjected to mental torment, coerced into returning portions of their salaries, and enduring indecent conduct from the management, including School Manager Harish Papne and Principal Mohini Negi.
Some reported being summoned to work on holidays without compensation, while resistance often led to forced resignations or terminations.
The CBSE received multiple grievances and, on May 13, 2025, referred the matter to the Uttar Pradesh state education authorities. A two-member committee-led by the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) and the City Magistrate-conducted an on-ground inquiry. Their June 9, 2025, report substantiated the claims: female teachers endured harassment, illegal salary deductions (with Rs 68 lakh later returned following objections), managerial overreach sidelining the Principal, and an "unhealthy and hostile" work atmosphere.
CBSE issued a show cause notice on August 22, 2025. The school's October 12, 2025, reply denied wrongdoing, branding the state probe "biased," claiming voluntary salary contributions due to financial distress, and asserting the existence of functional POSH and POCSO committees. It also hinted at potential criminal complaints against the accusers.
However, CBSE found the defence lacking. In its detailed analysis, the Board dismissed the school's rebuttals as unsubstantiated, noting the absence of evidence regarding proper grievance mechanisms, salary records, or due process in terminations.
The reply failed to counter the core findings on harassment and safety breaches under the POSH Act and the CBSE Affiliation Bye-Laws (including Clauses 2.4.8 and 14.17).
"No school can be permitted to continue functioning as affiliated with the Board when statutory provisions are being flagrantly and repeatedly violated." Teachers, described as "the backbone of school functioning," deserve dignity and security-conditions the management had undermined. The order states that such violations "strike at the very foundation of the affiliation framework" and demand "strict and immediate regulatory action."
Around 1,500 students now face uncertainty. To cushion the impact, Classes 10 and 12 may complete the 2025-26 academic session and sit for their examinations at the school. Classes 9 and 11 must transfer to nearby institutions by March 31, 2026, under the coordination of the CBSE Regional Officer in Noida. No new admissions or promotions to these classes will be permitted.
The school may apply for secondary-level affiliation from the 2027-28 academic session, subject to demonstrating full compliance with safety and service regulations. Restoration of senior secondary status would require at least two additional years after secondary-level reinstatement. Classes 1 to 8 will remain under state oversight.
