Pune School Faces Backlash for Expelling RTE Students Despite Willingness to Pay Fees

A school in Maharshinagar has left 40 students enrolled under the Right to Education (RTE) Act uncertain about their academic future. Despite being ready to pay the required fees, the school has asked students transitioning from class VIII to IX to leave. This move violates the RTE Act which reserves 25% of seats in private schools for free education up to class VIII.

The controversy unfolded as the school sent letters to parents, informing them that their children would be issued school leaving certificates along with annual examination results. Concerned parents promptly approached the school, expressing their willingness to pay the fees for Class IX, only to receive no response.

A social activist has stepped in on behalf of the aggrieved parents, submitting a formal statement to education authorities and urging immediate action against the school for attempting to force students out. 

A parent shared his frustration, stating, “Despite our willingness to pay the full school fees, the school maintains that there are no available seats for our children. My son has been a student at this school from class I to class VIII, but now admission for class IX is being denied.”

Education officer assured, “Every individual has the right to education as per the law. No school has the authority to expel students, especially after the payment of school fees. Our department will thoroughly investigate this incident, and appropriate action will be taken against the school.”