BMC to educate parents about RTE in slums

In order to create awareness about the 25 per cent reservation clause in the Right to Education (RTE) Act among parents of economically backward students, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to put up banners in slums and schools.

As per the RTE Act, 25 per cent reservation is provided in private schools for the economically backward students. However, due to lack of awareness about this, only ten per cent of the available seats have been filled last year.

Last year, 9,000 seats were opened for such students. But since the information about this reservation could not reach parents, only 1,000 seats were utilised. Shiv Sena leader Yamini Jadhav had raised the issue in the education committee meeting on Tuesday. The state education department has is yet to issue admission forms.

Once the forms are issued, the banners could be put up, said deputy municipal commissioner (education) Sunil Dhamne. Education committee president Vinod Shelar ordered that the banners should be put up at the schools having reservation and in slums.

These banners would help parents know about the reservations available in schools in their wards. This would enable parents secure admission of their children in private schools where reserved seats are available.