Several schools in Pune have taken the controversial decision to cancel the registration of students who were admitted under the Right to Education Act (RTE) and have completed their studies up to Class 8. This move comes amidst mounting concerns over unpaid fees and recent changes in government policies regarding RTE admissions.
The private schools’ association is now advising parents of RTE students to seek new admissions for their children after completing Class 8, citing uncertainties regarding fee reimbursements and compliance with revised RTE regulations.
According to Director of Primary Education, Sharad Gosavi, the government owes schools significant sums in fees reimbursement for RTE students, with no clear timeline for repayment. Additionally, recent amendments to the RTE stipulate that students will not be eligible for admission to English medium schools under RTE if there is a government or privately aided school within a 1 km radius.
Gosavi further clarified that the government will not assume responsibility for fee reimbursements if RTE students choose to enroll in such schools, prompting caution among English medium schools. Consequently, many institutions are opting to advise RTE students to seek fresh admissions post-Class 8 to mitigate potential financial risks.
The City International School in Pune previously informed RTE students’ parents that it would issue certificates only after completion of examinations, sparking protests from organizations like the Maharashtra Nav Nirman Vidyarthi Sena. The situation underscores a pressing need for intervention from education authorities to address concerns and uncertainties surrounding RTE admissions and fee reimbursements.
Professor Mahesh Salunkhe, a senior educationist, emphasized the complexities arising from the government’s role as a guardian in RTE admissions and the lack of clarity regarding fee obligations. He highlighted the need for a pragmatic solution to avoid further complications.
Ravindra Chorge, Vice-President of the Independent English Schools’ Association, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of resolving fee-related issues to ensure the smooth functioning of educational institutions.
Sanjay Kumar Chavan Patil, Founder-President of the Self-financing Schools’ Association, Maharashtra, called for the implementation of Maratha reservation for RTE admissions and emphasized the necessity of making parents’ PAN details compulsory to streamline the process and address financial challenges effectively.
As stakeholders grapple with these pressing issues, collaborative efforts between government bodies, educational institutions, and parents are essential to safeguard the interests of students and maintain the integrity of the RTE scheme.
