RAIPUR: Private schools in Chhattisgarh that refuse admission under the Right to Education (RTE) Act could face derecognition, with the state govt warning of strict action against institutions found violating mandatory quota norms.
In a statement issued on Monday, the state govt said the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, has been in force in Chhattisgarh since April 2010. Under its provisions, 25% seats in entry-level classes of unaided private schools are reserved for children from economically weaker sections, disadvantaged groups and deprived communities within the neighbourhood.
The govt said private schools are legally bound to admit eligible children under the quota, as recognition has been granted to them subject to compliance with RTE provisions. Any refusal to grant admission or any attempt to obstruct the process could invite stringent disciplinary action, including cancellation of recognition.
Under the Act, private schools are required to reserve 25% seats in nursery or Class I, for which the state reimburses them on the basis of per-child expenditure in govt schools or the actual school fee, whichever is lower.
The state claimed that Chhattisgarh’s reimbursement rates are better than or comparable to several neighbouring states. Since 2011-12, the annual reimbursement in Chhattisgarh has been fixed at Rs 7,000 for Classes I to V and Rs 11,400 for Classes VI to VIII.
In comparison, Madhya Pradesh pays Rs 4,419, Bihar Rs 6,569, Jharkhand Rs 5,100 and Uttar Pradesh Rs 5,400 annually, officials said. While states such as Odisha, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Karnataka offer higher reimbursement, the govt maintained that Chhattisgarh’s rates remain balanced and reasonable overall.
At present, around 3.63 lakh students are studying under the RTE quota in 6,862 private schools across the state. The admission process for around 22,000 Class I seats is currently underway for the new academic session.
The education department appealed to parents and the public not to be misled by misinformation being circulated on the issue and to rely only on official facts.
