Here are the key takeaways from the RTI filing and the investigative blog post. This summary will provide you with key insights on RTI to enhance your understanding of the topic:

• Alleged Financial Misconduct: The core of the complaint involves a reported Rs. 16,00,000 “bungling” of funds linked to the mandatory sale of private, non-NCERT books at a single school branch in Mirzapur.
• Pressure on Guardians: The management of The Lions School (Bhujwa ki Chowki and Laldiggi branches) is pressuring parents. They want them to bypass the standard NCERT curriculum. They encourage them to choose expensive private publications instead.
• Inter-Governmental Movement: The grievance has moved from the Central Ministry of Education (New Delhi) to the UP State Government. This movement places the onus of investigation on the Principal Secretary of Basic Education in Lucknow.
• Demand for Accountability: The RTI specifically targets the Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) of Mirzapur. It demands proof of actions, if any, taken against schools selling private books “cryptically.”
• Verification of Mandates: The inquiry critically involves requesting official Government Orders (GOs). These orders demonstrate schools’ legal requirement to use NCERT books. This goal aims to eliminate any “gray areas” that private institutions might exploit.
• Strict Timeline: Under the RTI Act 2005, the Public Information Officer (PIO), Pradeep Kumar Singh, has 30 days. He needs to provide a point-wise response to these allegations.

This blog post breaks down a recent RTI (Right to Information) filing. Here you’ll find key insights on RTI, including its role as it targets the alleged commercialisation of education. It also addresses the non-compliance with NCERT mandates in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh.

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Exposing the “Book Mafia”: Key Insights on RTI Inquiry into Mirzapur’s Private School Practices

A significant move toward educational transparency includes filing a formal RTI application. This application offers vital insights drawn from key RTI concerns. The registration number is DPBED/R/2025/60991. The applicant challenges the Basic Education Department of Uttar Pradesh to uncover the reasons. Why do private institutions continue to bypass government mandates? They force expensive, non-NCERT books on students.

The Core Allegation and Key Insights on RTI: Profit over Pedagogy

The applicant, Shivam Verma, highlights a troubling trend at The Lions School (both the Bhujwa ki Chowki and Laldiggi branches). The application alleges that the school management is actively pressurising guardians. They are urged to purchase books from private publishers. This contrasts with the standard NCERT curriculum. Notably, new developments on RTI applications can offer key insights regarding such allegations.

The scale of this “secret” economy is staggering. The filing claims:

• Financial Irregularity: A key member of the governing body was allegedly removed for the “bungling” of Rs. 16,00,000—revenue generated solely from private book sales at a single branch with only 1,000 students.
• Scale of Impact: The Laldiggi branch houses nearly 4,000 students. The potential “hidden income” from these sales is estimated to be significantly higher.

Tracking the Paper Trail: From Delhi to Lucknow

The issue was initially raised with the Central Government (Grievance No: DOSEL/E/2025/0003990). The Ministry of Education in New Delhi considered the issue. They forwarded the matter to the Principal Secretary (Basic Education) in Uttar Pradesh on May 19, 2025. Among the key insights is the way that RTI filings move through the layers of authority.

The current RTI seeks to bridge the gap between “forwarded” and “acted upon.

The Five Demands for Transparency

The RTI application demands specific, point-wise information from the Public Information Officer (PIO), Pradeep Kumar Singh, and offers key insights on RTI processes, too:

1. Action Taken Report: This document details what the Principal Secretary (Basic Education) has accomplished. It pertains to the grievance forwarded by the Central Government.
2. Accountability: Names and designations of the officials currently processing the grievance.
3. Inquiry Status: Identification of the staff members responsible for investigating the management of The Lions Schools in Mirzapur.
4. Local Oversight: Details on actions taken by the Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Mirzapur against schools selling private books “cryptically.”
5. Policy Clarity: Provision of official government orders (GOs), circulars, and guidelines that mandate NCERT books in schools and kindergartens.

Why This Matters (Key Insights on RTI)

When schools act as bookstores, the financial burden on parents skyrockets, and the quality of standardised education suffers. This RTI is not just about one school. It is a test of the Right to Information Act 2005. Looking at key insights on RTI allows for greater understanding of its impact on educational policy. It also examines the state’s willingness to enforce its own educational guidelines.

Under Section 7(1) of the RTI Act, the department is now obligated to provide these details within 30 days.

Based on the RTI application details provided and the current administrative structure of the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Department, here are the contact details for the key public authorities involved in this case:

1. Primary RTI Authority (As per your Filing) (Key Insights on RTI)

These are the specific officials you are already in contact with regarding registration number DPBED/R/2025/60991:

Officer Role	Name	Mobile Number	Email Address
PIO (Public Information Officer)	Pradeep Kumar Singh	8382914222 / 0522-2213197	upgov.basic3@gmail.com
Nodal Officer	Suresh Arora	9454413136	upgov.basic2@gmail.com

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2. Higher Authorities (Department of Basic Education, UP)

If you do not receive a response within 30 days, or if the information is unsatisfactory, you may need to escalate to these high-level offices in Lucknow:

• Principal Secretary (Basic Education):Shri Partha Sarthi Sensharma, IAS
  • Address: 15, Naveen Bhawan, Uttar Pradesh Secretariat, Lucknow – 226001.
• Director General (School Education):Mrs. Monica Rani, IAS
  • Phone: 0522-4024565
  • Email: upefaspo@gmail.com
• Special Secretary (Basic Education):Shri Awadhesh Kumar Tiwari
  • Phone: 0522-2236173
  • Email: splbasicakt@gmail.com

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3. District Authority (Mirzapur)

Since the core issue involves The Lions School in Mirzapur, the local enforcement falls under:

• Zila Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA), Mirzapur:Shri Anil Verma
  • Mobile: 9453004195
  • Office Address: BSA Office, Bariyaghat, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh – 231001.
  • District Website: mirzapur.nic.in

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4. Digital Portals & Web Links for Key Insights on RTI

For tracking your application, filing appeals, or lodging further grievances:

• UP Online RTI Portal:rtionline.up.gov.in
  • Use this to file your “First Appeal” if you don’t hear back from Mr. Pradeep Kumar Singh within 30 days.
• Jansunwai (Samadhan) Portal:jansunwai.up.nic.in
  • Use this for direct complaints to the Chief Minister’s office regarding “Book Mafia” activities.
• Department of School Education (Central):dsel.education.gov.in
  • To follow up on the original central grievance DOSEL/E/2025/0003990.

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Next Step: Since your RTI was filed on 12/07/2025, the legal deadline for a response is 11/08/2025. Would you like me to draft a reminder email? You can send it to the PIO if you haven’t received an acknowledgment yet.