Over 1,860 children seek admission under Right to Education Act in Ambala

Over 1,860 children in the district have sought admission to the private schools under the government-backed Right to Education Act.

Under the RTE, 25 per cent seats are reserved in the first or entry-level classes in recognised private schools for children from economically weaker section and disadvantaged groups.

While the academic session started last month, the process for admissions under the RTE is yet to be completed.

As per information, as many as 1,865 applications were received in the district. Of the total, maximum 707 applications were received in Ambala-1 block, followed by 342 in Ambala-II, 322 in Barara, 197 in Naraingarh, 152 in Shahzadpur, and 145 in Saha.

Ambala District Elementary Education Officer (DEEO) Sudhir Kalra said, “Over 1,860 applications have been received for admission to the private schools under the RTE Act this year. The scrutiny of the applications will be done at the headquarter level and after getting the final list, the admissions of the children will be ensured. We are hopeful the final list will be received soon.”

Meanwhile, private schools have sought reimbursement for the previous years. Saurabh Kapoor, spokesman, Haryana Progressive Schools’ Conference, said “Admissions under the RTE will be given to students as per the rules but the government should also clear the pending dues. The Education Department is yet to clear the reimbursement of the past two years. Even in the past, the delay in reimbursement for teaching the EWS students under Rule 134-A was the prime reason behind the dispute between the private schools and the government. If the dues under the RTE Act are not cleared on time, the schools will move the Punjab and Haryana High Court.”

“We have also been requesting the department to disclose the actual expenditure being made by the government per child per month in the government schools, and reimburse the private schools accordingly. Else the private schools should be reimbursed as per the fees being charged from other students,” he added.

Meanwhile, National Independent Schools Alliance president Kulbhushan Sharma said, “The private schools have welcomed the government’s move of implementing the RTE in the state. The schools have no objection in reserving 25% seats for the students but if the government really wants to ensure inclusive education of the children, it should clear the dues in time. The payments must be cleared quarterly. It will build a confidence in the students as well as in the schools. A proper payment mechanism must be ensured for smooth implementation of the scheme.”

Haryana Tribune