Drop 'international', 'global' from names if there's no foreign link, Maharashtra tells schools

The Maharashtra school education department has directed that schools in the state will no longer be allowed to use terms such as "international" or "global" in their names, unless they fulfil the eligibility criteria for such titles. The decision aims to prevent parents and the general public from being misled by confusing school names.

As per the letter by the education department, it has directed that the use of words like ‘international’ or ‘global’ in school names will only be allowed if the school has campuses abroad or is affiliated with an international board or curriculum.

The letter has further directed the education officers to scrutinise the school names and examine new proposals for approval or renewal, or else, take appropriate action in case of existing schools with such names.

Maharashtra Schools: 'Misleading' factors

The education department further flagged that some schools approved as Marathi-medium are using the term “English medium” in their names. Also, the use of the term Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in school names is not legally appropriate, as it refers to the Central government's examination board.

The department has also highlighted the names of 11 new schools from across Maharashtra where the word "international" has been used. The education field officers have been directed to ask schools to reapply with new name proposals.

The letter further adds that while examining the proposals received for new recognition of schools from the next academic year onwards, the school name, its board, and medium, national or international level standard, etc., should be clearly considered.

In case any misleading "title" is found, then such schools will be directed to change their name, and a proposal should be submitted to the state authority for further necessary action and instructions.

“Currently existing schools should be informed to change the above mentioned words in their names immediately and submit an action plan within one month. Proposals received by December 2024 regarding new recognition of schools should be scrutinized by December 2025 and submitted for approval,” the letter adds.