Chennai: The Directorate of Private Schools has said that recognition for 1,717 matriculation schools in Tamil Nadu could not be extended due to non-submission of mandatory documents, including valid building approvals.

Responding to media reports on delays in granting extension of recognition, the Directorate said Tamil Nadu has 9,315 matriculation, kindergarten, and primary schools. These institutions are required to periodically renew documents such as building ownership or lease deeds (minimum 15 years), structural stability and health certificates, fire safety clearances, and approved building plans.

However, several schools have failed to secure approvals from the Town and Country Planning Department (TTCP) or local bodies. Many buildings constructed before 2011 lack proper panchayat president approval, while some municipal and corporation schools built before and after 2019 have not obtained plan permissions.

The Directorate said certain schools were granted special permission in 2022, but 1,717 continue to operate without valid building permits. In some cases, recognition has been withheld due to inadequate classrooms or pending bank loans on school buildings.

It added that the matter is also pending before the court, contributing to the delay in extending recognition.