Separate WhatsApp group for RTE students: 7 Surat schools fined for ‘discrimination’ among students

According to sources, parents of RTE students in their complaints alleged that the “school authorities forced them to buy expensive stationery and uniforms from the school” and “students have been allowed to sit in separate classrooms”. The parents of such students also allegedly shared their grievances on the Chief Minister Jan Samvad portal.

A few days ago, Surat DEO Bhagirathsinh Parmar received complaints from parents of RTE students.

According to sources, the schools in question are identified as LP Savani Academy, Rayan International School, Gyan Ganga Vidhyalay, Madhavbaag Vidhyabhavan, Ashadeep Vidhyalay, Broadway International School and K7 International School. All schools are based in Surat city.

When contacted, the LP Savani authorities refused to comment on the issue. The other schools also did not respond to multiple phone call attempts.

All seven schools have been fined Rs. 10,000 by the Surat DEO on Thursday.

After receiving the complaints, officials personally contacted all students, noted the grievances, and spoke with the concerned school authorities to understand the exact situation.

Talking to The Indian Express, Parmar said, “All these seven schools are noted schools of the city and run CBSE courses. The new academic year starts in April and RTE admissions are done in June or July every year. To RTE students, separate classes are allowed so that the chapters taught to regular students can be completed. The school authorities had kept separate classes for RTE students to finish the curriculum. Similarly, at the start of the new academic year, the school creates a WhatsApp group for each class. Students who have availed regular admissions already have a WhatsApp group, while a new one has been created for students who got late admissions. On WhatsApp, the school teachers share progress reports of students and necessary instructions to parents.”

He further added, “We have penalised such schools and warned them that such mistakes should not be repeated in future and if found, strict actions will be taken.”