State yet to define backward classes for RTE benefit

Come June, and the Right to Education (RTE) mandating admission of at least 25% backward class and economically weaker students in schools across the country will be implemented. However, the state government is yet to determine the criteria that will define the term “backward classes”.

Expressing keenness to ensure a proper implementation of the RTE, chief minister Prithviraj Chavan said the state will soon define the list of ‘backward classes’, which will include the SC and ST. “We are looking at including the denotified and nomadic tribes, physically handicapped persons and women in this list, but excluding the creamy layer from among them,” said Chavan, adding  that the state was looking at setting up a monitoring system, like a tribunal, to look into grievances related to the RTE implementation.

As per the RTE law, all schools, excluding unaided minority institutions, must admit backward class students. Also, the government is working out the expenditure related in cases where students shift from government schools to private or aided schools. “But we think it will be less than Rs100 crore this year,” said Chavan.

A senior official of the school education department warned that even in the event of delay in defining who all “backward class” will comprise, no school would be able to escape the RTE mandate. Stating that there was no ambiguity in implementing the RTE in the state, he said, “We expect SC and ST students enrolled in the schools from June.”

The government is working on defining economically backward status in the state, and is expected to come up with an income limit by the month-end.