While 15-day closure notices have been served to all the schools, the Prerana Vidyalaya, Dew Drops School and St.Theresa School, Uttan shut their doors after receiving notices, said P Z Gawli, Education Officer, MBMC.

The council has threatened criminal action against the owners or trustees of all erring schools. A survey had revealed that for two years the schools evaded action by the State Education Department using their political clout. The MBMC's swift action follows a note from the Deputy Director of Education demanding a detailed report on unrecognised schools and action taken against them. While no deadline has been set for submitting the report, officials said, "The note sent from Mantralaya has rocked the council's education department which has been prompted into taking immediateaction."