In a recent development, the Union Ministry of Education has firmly dismissed any plans to reinstate the Members of Parliament (MP) quota for admissions in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) across the nation. Responding to a written question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Education, Annapurna Devi, made it clear that there is no current proposal to reintroduce the MP quota for KV admissions.
Kendriya Vidyalayas were originally established to cater primarily to the educational requirements of the children of transferable central government employees, including those from defense and paramilitary personnel, Central Autonomous Bodies, Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and Central Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL). The aim was to provide a standardized educational program throughout the country.
Minister Annapurna Devi highlighted that there is no consideration for the revival of the MP quota, as it had previously led to admissions exceeding the sanctioned student strength of 40 per section. This resulted in a high pupil-teacher ratio, adversely affecting the quality of learning in classrooms.
Notably, the central government had taken a significant step last year by abolishing several discretionary quotas, including the MP quota, for admissions in Kendriya Vidyalayas. This move was aimed at freeing up more than 40,000 seats in these centrally funded schools.
With over 1,200 Kendriya Vidyalayas nationwide, accommodating a student population of over 14.35 lakh, the MPs, collectively consisting of 543 in the Lok Sabha and 245 in the Rajya Sabha, had the authority to recommend up to 7,880 admissions annually under the quota.
Under the previously existing special provisions, Members of Parliament possessed discretionary powers to nominate ten children for admission to a Kendriya Vidyalaya. Additionally, district magistrates held the authority to recommend the admission of 17 students under the sponsoring authority quota in KVs. However, this practice has been discontinued, ensuring a fair and equitable admission process for all students in Kendriya Vidyalayas across the country.
