The district administration has directed 22 private schools functioning without mandatory approval to stop operations from the 2026–27 academic year, and warned of legal action if they continued to admit students.

In a press release, the district Collector Durga Moorthy said that 237 private schools were functioning in the district with government recognition. Another 22 schools were operating without valid permission, in violation of provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and the Tamil Nadu Private Schools (Regulation) Act. Show-cause notices were issued to the managements concerned. Though sufficient time was granted for obtaining approval, the required proposals and supporting documents were not submitted in full to the authorities.

Citing concerns over student safety, the administration directed the schools to close down from the 2026–27 academic year. The managements were also instructed not to admit students in any class from LKG to Class V.

The Collector warned that if admissions were made in violation of the order and the schools continued to function, action would be initiated under the relevant legal provisions. The parents were advised to enrol their children only in government or private schools recognised by the School Education Department.

For assistance, parents may contact the Chief Educational Office, Namakkal, or the District Educational Office (Private Schools), the release added.