PUNE: The education department on June 3 ordered a special inspection drive targeting integrated junior colleges and college-coaching class tie-ups in the Pune division, directing district authorities to verify compliance with biometric attendance rules, institutional approvals, and other regulatory requirements.Education department orders special inspection drive targeting integrated junior colleges and college-coaching class tie-ups in the Pune division. ((PIC FOR REPRESENTATION))Deputy director of education (Pune division) Ganpat More on June 3 issued a letter instructing education officers (secondary) in Pune, Ahilyanagar and Solapur districts to constitute special flying squads for inspection of junior colleges in both urban and rural areas. As per the directive, inspection teams will examine colleges based on several parameters, including original recognition and approval documents, institutional registration records, implementation of biometric attendance systems, student attendance registers, general registers, physical infrastructure, and the nature of coaching class tie-ups if any. Officials have also been asked to verify complaints received from students, parents and other stakeholders; and submit proposals recommending action wherever violations are found. The flying squads are expected to submit their findings to the deputy director’s office following which, further action may be considered against institutions found violating norms.The move comes amid concerns over the functioning and role of integrated college-coaching class tie-ups in the state’s competitive examination ecosystem, and alleged non-compliance with mandatory biometric attendance norms.Welcoming the decision, joint secretary of Yuva Sena, Kalpesh Yadav, said, “The education department’s decision to verify junior colleges is a positive step. However, the exercise should not be limited to paperwork or a few districts. Similar inspections should be conducted across the state, and institutions found violating rules must face strict action. Students’ academic interests must remain the priority.”Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena president Dhananjay Dalvi urged authorities to ensure that inspections focus on actual compliance rather than documentation alone. “The integrated college–coaching class model needs thorough scrutiny. During inspections, authorities should verify whether colleges have the required infrastructure, qualified teaching staff and genuine attendance records. If irregularities are found, action should be taken against all those responsible,” Dalvi said.“The integrated college-private coaching class nexus has become a serious concern in the education sector. During our inspections, we found institutions allegedly lacking adequate infrastructure, qualified faculty and regular classroom attendance. We have already submitted a list of 52 such colleges to the deputy director’s office and expect a comprehensive investigation,” Dalvi said. Dalvi called for a detailed examination of attendance practices and the functioning of institutions operating under college-coaching class tie-ups, arguing that students should have access to educational facilities and the kind of academic environment mandated by regulations.