The delay in announcing admission dates under the Right to Education (RTE) Act has left hundreds of parents in the state grappling with uncertainty. Typically commencing in January, the RTE admission process remains in limbo, prompting parents to seek alternatives and often enrolling their children in nearby schools while awaiting clarity. Organizations are now urging the state government to expedite the RTE admission process to alleviate parental concerns.
Anxiety Among Parents Over Unannounced RTE Admission Dates
Parents, eager to secure RTE admissions for their children in private schools, find themselves in a state of worry due to the absence of official admission dates. Compounding their concerns is the risk of financial loss, as fees paid to schools before RTE admissions are non-refundable. Advocacy groups and concerned parents are calling on the government to announce RTE admission dates promptly.
Government Proposal Submitted, Awaits Approval
The school education department has submitted a proposal to initiate the RTE admission process, but official approval is pending. With the usual start date in January approaching, attention is heightened regarding the government’s decision on the matter.
Satish Patil, a parent representative, expressed his concern, stating, “I am eagerly awaiting the RTE admission process for the upcoming academic year. Last year, I couldn’t fill out the form due to the age limit for Class I. However, there is still no official declaration of the RTE admission timetable. Last year, the timetable was declared in December.”
Key Considerations for RTE Admission Process
Education expert and social activist Anand Randhir raised important questions about the implementation of the RTE admission process. He questioned whether a fixed timetable, akin to Karnataka, could be established in Maharashtra and emphasized the need for admissions not only in English medium schools but across various mediums. Additionally, he urged the government to evaluate the possibility of increasing the number of schools registered for RTE admission.
Mukund Kirdat, coordinator of AAP parents union, highlighted the annual delay in the RTE admission process, affecting parents’ ability to secure admissions in English medium schools. He stressed the urgency of initiating the RTE admission process promptly to address financial constraints faced by many parents.
Sharad Gosavi, director of Primary Education, assured parents that the administrative procedure is in progress. He mentioned that official announcements regarding the RTE admission process for the upcoming year will be made in the next few days.
