Deadline for first round of RTE admissions extended to Aug 5

Sharad Gosavi, Director of Education (Primary), whose office conducts the RTE admissions, said, “Considering that many students are yet to confirm admissions on their allotted seats, the deadline has been extended.”

“Considering the delay in the RTE admissions this year, it is anticipated that many students have gone ahead with admissions in other schools. But this extension in the deadline is to ensure that no student is left behind. After this a couple of more rounds will be held to provide opportunity for those who are in the waiting list currently,” he added.

As many as 2,42,516 students have applied for school admissions under the RTE this year. After the allotment in the first round, 71,276 more students are in the waiting list for allotment of seats in the following rounds of admissions.

The RTE admissions have witnessed significant delay in Maharashtra this year following the amendment to RTE implementation rule and subsequent court case.

As per the amendment, private schools having government or aided schools within 1 kilometer radius were not obligated to give RTE admissions.

After parents of several students moved the Bombay High Court against the amendment, the court stayed the admissions process.

In July, the HC instructed Maharashtra government to resume RTE admissions in its original format wherein 25 per cent of total seats are reserved in private unaided schools for children coming from underprivileged sections of society.

Accordingly, RTE admissions began in Maharashtra from July 23.