In a significant development, the number of unauthorised schools operating in Navi Mumbai has dropped to just two, according to the latest list released by the Education Department of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC).

The list was released by the department on June 6.

The two schools identified as illegal are Al Momin School located in CBD Belapur and Iqra International and Maktab School situated in Nerul. "Both institutions have been found operating without the mandatory recognition from the state government or the municipal corporation, violating the provisions of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009," said an official. 

This marks a notable decline from last year, when five schools were listed as unauthorized by the civic body. Officials credit consistent monitoring and enforcement for the reduction in such schools.

The NMMC has issued a strict directive to the management of both schools to shut down operations immediately and to facilitate the transfer of students to nearby recognized schools. Parents have also been urged not to seek admission for their children in these unapproved institutions.

Legal action under Section 18(5) of the RTE Act will be initiated if the directives are ignored, warned the NMMC.

The civic body reiterated its commitment to ensuring that every child in Navi Mumbai receives quality education through approved and lawful institutions.