3,000 Haryana private schools will face action if 25% seats are not reserved for economically weaker students: Minister Mahipal Dhanda

The minister has directed education department officials to ensure the enforcement of the rule, adding that non-compliance could lead to the cancellation of the school’s recognition.

He said that 70 per cent of the 10,000 private schools have so far allocated seats through the Ujjwal Portal.

Dhanda also stated that under Rule 158(6) of the Haryana School Education Rules, 2003, no recognised school in the state is allowed to compel students or their parents to purchase textbooks, stationery, or uniforms from a particular shop, nor are the schools permitted to change their uniforms within five years.

He said that the government has so far received 40 complaints related to different issues through the Education Department portal apart from 57 complaints through email. “All complaints are currently under investigation, and strict action will be taken against any schools found in violation,” he said.

The minister shared that while 2,07,685 students were enrolled in Class 5 in government schools as of April 30, 2024; 2,04,163 students have already been admitted by April 15 this year.

Going by the trend, Dhanda expressed confidence that by April 30, the number of admissions will surpass last year’s figure, reflecting the growing trust in government schools and the noticeable improvement in the quality of education.

The minister further said that under the RTE Act, the funds for uniforms for government school students from Classes 1 to 8 will be transferred directly to their bank accounts by the last week of April. Free textbooks will be distributed to all such students by April 21.

Dhanda said that the government’s primary objective is to enhance the quality of education in government schools and ensure better facilities for students.