Parents from the economically weaker sections of the society can now register a complaint with the civic education department if they find difficulty in admitting their children in government-aided private schools, under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act. At present, the admission in around 145 city schools under the Act is going on.
The civic education officer has instructed all the schools falling under the category to help such parents approaching for the admission. Last year, only 9% seats of the total seats on offer were filled in the city. "We want the number of admissions under the act to rise and parents to approach us if they encounter any problems," said Harun Attar, education officer of NMMC.
The education board has also instructed all the schools to advertise vacant seats, under the Act. "We have asked schools if they can advertise the admission process for 75% students, why can't they include the number of vacant seats that come under the RTE Act," said Attar.
However, Attar has asserted that the number of students getting admission under the RTE Act will increase substantially this year. "We are expecting around 40-50% seats to be filled this year," said Attar. The education department is taking steps to ensure hassle-free admission for students from economically weaker sections in private aided schools.
However, a few schools have complained about poor response from students seeking admissions under the Act. "We have instructed schools to give proper counselling and guidance to students coming for admission under the RTE Act," added Attar.
As per the RTE Act, every child in the age group of 6-14 has the right to free and compulsory education in a neighbourhood school, till the completion of elementary education. Private schools will have to take 25% of their class strength from weaker sections and the disadvantaged groups of the society through a random selection process.
In 2013, when the implementation period of the RTE Act got over, it was found that only 424 students from economically weaker sections sought admission under the Act. However, the total number of seats offered was 3,340.
The education officer has also asked schools to be flexible while admitting children under the Act. "There is possibility that some students may approach one or two days after the date of admission. They need to admit those students too," said Attar adding, "This is everyone's responsibility."
As per guidelines, the state government will fund the education of these children. No seats in this quota can be left vacant. These children will be treated at par with the other students and subsidised by the state at the rate of average per learner costs in the government schools [unless the per learner costs in the private school are lower].
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