Private schools in Uttar Pradesh that break the rules of the Right to Education Act (RTE) may now face consequences. According to the article, the Department of Basic Education has decided to start withdrawing recognition from schools that do not follow the RTE Act's criteria.
This decision was communicated by Lalita Pradeep, Additional Director, Basic Education. She stated that some schools had received complaints about failing to follow RTE requirements.
According to the RTE Act, children from economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups are enrolled in recognized unaided private schools up to 25% of the entire capacity of their entry-level classes, either pre-primary or Class 1, up to 25 percent of the entire capacity of their entry-level classes, either pre-primary or Class 1.
Nearly one lakh pupils from 'weaker' sections of society have been enrolled in private schools under RTE guidelines for the academic year 2021-22.
School administrators have been accused of pestering parents for superfluous documentation, striking children's names off without justification, refusing to allow children to attend school even after their names had been approved by the government, and charging money from pupils without providing receipts.
In order to obtain affiliation from any board (CBSE or ICSE), private schools must produce a recognition certificate from the state education department, according to RTE guidelines.
She said, "Action will be taken against schools that do not admit children under RTE rules."