Approximately 300 students of a Ghatkopar school are staring at an uncertain future. Their alma mater, affiliated to the IGCSE Board, doesn't have the mandatory Unified District Information System For Education (UDISE) number or a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the government to function.

The UDISE, issued by the state department of education, is a database of information on all schools in India. A code is generated for every registered school to allow it to function and, in 2012, it was made mandatory for all schools to register with it. Parents of this Ghatkopar school, however, realised the school does not have a number only after they complained against a proposal of fee hike.

It is shameful that an educational institution, which nurtures young minds, is not toeing the line itself. Schools and colleges across the country have to see that they are bonafide, no matter which board or system they follow. They should have all clearances in place. While red-tapi­sm is a reality, it's important that educational institutions keep abreast of requirements made mandatory by the education department.