RTE Row: 1km vs 3km – Private Schools Defy EWS Admission Norms
A major standoff is brewing between private schools and the Education Department over the distance criterion for admitting Economically Weaker Section (EWS) students under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The conflict centers on the interpretation of the permissible distance radius for EWS admissions.
Private schools claim that the 1 km radius limit applies only to primary admissions. The Education Department, however, insists on a 3 km radius for all RTE admissions, irrespective of the class. This discrepancy has led to several schools facing action for non-compliance.
Several schools have been issued notices for failing to adhere to the 3 km radius rule, prompting some to initiate legal challenges against the department’s directive. The legal battles are expected to further delay the admissions process for EWS students.
The clash highlights a critical gap in the implementation of the RTE Act. The ambiguity surrounding the distance criterion leaves both schools and aspiring EWS students in a state of uncertainty, potentially impacting the education of thousands of underprivileged children. This legal tussle underscores the urgent need for clearer guidelines and a more robust implementation mechanism to ensure equitable access to education for all.
