Concerns Arise as RTE Online Admissions Begin for Reserved Seats

The start of the online admission process for 25 per cent reserved seats under the Right to Education (RTE) amendment by the state school education department has raised worries among parents about their children’s educational future. The department has listed schools within a 1-kilometer radius of the student, with some exceptions, offering admissions for children up to Class 4 and Class 7. However, this means that students will have to change schools after getting admitted under RTE, which contradicts the department’s rule stating that students admitted through RTE must complete their education from Class 1 to Class 8 in the same school.

This situation has led to criticism of the education department for potentially breaking its own rules. Since the aided, government, or local body schools available for RTE admissions are only up to Class 4 or Class 7, parent organizations have voiced objections to the admission process.

“According to RTE, a student should attend a school within 1 to 3 kilometres from home. However, only schools up to Class 4 or Class 7 are recommended. This means many students who finish Class 4 or Class 7 may have to travel 1-3 kilometers to attend Class 8. Will the government disregard its own rule this time?” expressed Santosh Gangurde, an education activist.

Meanwhile, the RTE admission process for the upcoming academic year, implemented by the education department, will see over 8.86 lakh students admitted. “The Right to Education Act primarily focuses on the education of students from Class 1 to Class 8. However, the schools available for admission currently only go up to Class 4 and Class 7. Parents should not be compelled to change schools after Class 4 and Class 7. The future of many students is at risk,” emphasized Mukund Kirdat, a representative of a parents’ union.