The court ruling that came on the petition by some private schools, who had claimed that the RTE was a violation of their autonomy and would be a drain on their resources.
There was a mixed reaction to the Supreme Court’s judgement upholding the Right to Education Act, 2009 (RTE) and 25% reservations of seats in schools for economically backward students among city school managements and education activists.
The court ruling that came on the petition by some private schools, who had claimed that the RTE was a violation of their autonomy and would be a drain on their resources.
Some school managements hinted at hiking fees of existing students to meet the expenses. Robbin Ghosh, chairman, Victorious Kidss Educares welcomed the move but said that schools would have to rework finances in order to implement the decision. “We would have to make best use of our resources. May be, we would have to charge existing students coming from affluent families, a bit more in order to accommodate the students from the weaker section of society,’’ he said.
Jayashree Venkatraman, principal, Aundh DAV School, said she had already discussed the subject with the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) much before the Supreme Court judgement.
“As we were expecting this, we have already discussed it with PTA. They were quite conscientious and positive about playing a role in bridging the gap between the have and have nots. I think school managements would have to make extra efforts and PTAs would have to play a more vibrant role like organising charity shows, fund raising events etc to meet expenses,’’ said Venkatraman.
Mateen Mujawar of Shikshan Hakk Manch termed it a historic judgment. “By ensuring that the schools are compelled to reserve 25% of its seats for students of economically weaker section, the court has ensured that the present class distinction in the education system is removed,’’ he said. He went on to add that this move would help the poor students avail of the best education available.
Echoing Mujawar’s sentiments, Sandeep Chavan of Forum of Fairness in Education, said that this judgement would help in ensuring uniform education in society. However, Chavan cautioned that the parent associations would have to keep a close watch on how the law is implemented.
Chavan had invoked the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI), with the department of education, to understand the nitty-gritty of the way, the law would be implemented. “We need more clarity on this matter and the government is groping in the dark about the implementation,’’ he said.
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