VIJAYAWADA: Private schools in the State have failed to implement the provisions of the 12(1) (C) of Right to Education Act (RTE) 2009, to provide 25% admissions into Class I.
This have raised concerns among the students and parents about the commitment of educational institutions towards fulfilling their obligations under the Act.
The RTE Act aimed at ensuring free and compulsory education for weaker sections and disadvantaged groups of all children aged from six to 14.
Despite directives from both the Supreme Court and the State government, many schools including IB/ICSE/CBSE/State syllabus schools in the State fail to provide free education, sparking outrage among parents as well as advocates.
Speaking to TNIE, President of the Parents Association of AP, Sikharam Narahari said, “It is appalling to see private schools blatantly disregarding the orders of the Supreme Court and the State government. The failure of private schools to comply with the RTE Act is unacceptable and must be addressed with urgency.”
He further said that despite budget allocations made by the Department of School Education for the academic year 2024-25, there is a lack of clarity on how these funds are being utilised to support the provision of free education in private schools, he said.
As per the law, the school authorities have to register in the RTE website and the local authorities are required to conduct mapping of schools to habitations according to the neighbourhood limits as notified by the State, before the commencement of the admission cycle every year.
G Eswariah, State Secretary of the association, alleged private schools registered in 2023-24 aren’t available for online application in their home mapping areas this year. Some areas show government schools online instead of private.
In certain districts, only schools within a one-kilometer radius are listed. Per the law, if no schools exist within one kilometer, schools within two or three kilometers should be provided, he added.
He claimed that in 2022-23 and 2023-24, the education department failed to allocate a budget for private school fees as mandated by the RTE Act. Additionally, provisions for free education, including textbooks, notebooks, and school uniforms, are not being met as per the law, he alleged.
Speaking to TNIE, Commissioner of School Education, S Suresh Kumar, stated, “Schools are reluctant to register in RTE website, but we are taking action against them. As work was in progress, last year registered schools may not be visible online as they may not be registered yet this year, so we are asking DEOs to verify such schools and take measures.” He clarified that after filling the seats available within a 1 km radius, only those beyond the radius will be visible.
AP Private Schools State Council co-chairman Mekala Raveendra Babu said, “The issue is in the High Court, and the government is pressuring us to register on the website. Although we are willing to comply, the government insists on paying only `15,000, which includes school fees, books,uniforms, shoes, belt, tie, etc. This places a heavier burden on budget schools.”