Pune: Private Schools Defy RTE Admissions: CBSE Approval and Unnotified Listings Cause Confusion

Pune, 31st July 2024: The Bombay High Court has ordered the implementation of the admission process for 25% of reserved seats under the Right to Education Act (RTE). However, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) approval is required for increased seats, and some private schools are refusing admissions, arguing that their schools have been listed on the RTE website without prior permission. This is causing additional problems in the already delayed RTE admission process.

Underprivileged and socially and economically weaker section students are admitted to private schools through the 25% reserved seats under RTE. This year, changes in RTE admission rules by the education department confused, leading to a court petition that stalled the process. The Bombay High Court ruled that the changes were unconstitutional and directed private schools to admit students under RTE according to previous guidelines. The education department has released the selection list of eligible students and set the admission deadline for 31st July.

Despite the court order, some private schools are still denying RTE admissions. They have submitted complaints to the education department, citing reasons such as the need for CBSE approval for additional seats, the expired 15th July deadline, the unavailability of facilities and teachers, and the unnotified listing of their schools on the RTE admission website.

Parents are increasingly anxious as admissions are being denied. Dr. Sharad Javadekar, the working president of the Akhil Bharatiya Samajvadi Shikshan Hakk Sabha, warned that if the education department does not take action against these schools, protests may follow.

This year, 1,05,242 seats are available in 9,217 state schools. Of the 2,42,516 applications, 93,009 students have been admitted, with 71,276 students on the waiting list. As of Tuesday evening, 30,774 students have confirmed their admission, with today (July 31) being the final day for submissions. Access appears to be slow.

Sharad Gosavi, Director of Primary Education, stated that the admission process is being carried out as per the Bombay High Court’s order. Private schools are required to admit students for 25% of seats under RTE. The state government will approve any additional seats, and CBSE will be informed accordingly.