CJP School Survey Draws NPS Federation’s Objection Over Unauthorised Inspections

The All India National Pension System (NPS) Employees Federation has opposed the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) proposed survey of government schools, arguing that a political organisation cannot assume inspection powers without approval from the competent education authorities.

CJP founder Abhijit Deepke launched the “School Theek Karo” campaign on August 15, describing it as a social audit aimed at highlighting the poor condition of government schools, particularly in rural areas. Parents and citizens were encouraged to visit schools and assess basic facilities. Reports from the campaign’s launch indicate attention to drinking water, toilets, benches, cleanliness, windows, food quality and essential infrastructure, with CJP planning to compile information from schools across Maharashtra and eventually the country.

The federation has raised concerns over how such surveys could be conducted. Its national spokesperson, Ankur Tripathi, said unauthorized entry by political groups could create tension or confrontation with teachers and staff and foster an atmosphere of fear. The federation also warned that independent inspections, audits or questioning could create serious legal and administrative complications.

Another concern is information collection. The federation said any collection, storage or use of information obtained from schools should follow applicable legal and data-protection safeguards. It urged that political or private organisations should not conduct audits or surveys on school premises without approval from a competent authority.

The federation has written to the Union Education Ministry seeking a factual and legal examination of CJP’s announcement and clear guidelines governing such activities. The August 18 PTI report cited no specific formal ministry directive as yet approving, banning or regulating the survey.

The controversy therefore centres on the distinction between legitimate citizen scrutiny and an unauthorised inspection. Parents and citizens can raise concerns about school conditions, but access to school premises, official records, staff, students and identifiable information may be subject to administrative permission and applicable rules.

For now, the federation is seeking clarity from the Centre, while CJP says its campaign is intended to document deficiencies and push authorities to improve government-school facilities.