‘Let schools bear extra cost for poor students’

The state had sanctioned Rs 14,621 for 2013-14 for the students from economically weaker sections.

The state government Monday told the Bombay High Court that unaided schools would have to bear the extra cost for students admitted under the Right to Education (RTE) Act in cases where the school fees exceeded the stipulated amount paid by the state.

The state had sanctioned Rs 12,315 as fees for the academic year 2012-13 and Rs 14,621 for 2013-14 for the students from economically economically weaker sections who are admitted into schools under the RTE Act, which mandates a quota of 25 per cent of seats in all schools for them.

The bench of Justices Anoop Mohta and A A Sayed, which was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Anudanit Shiksha Bachao Samiti on behalf of aggrieved parents whose children have not got admissions under RTE Act, asked the state government to file an affidavit in three weeks on the steps taken by it for the implementation of the central Act.

When the court was informed about schools refusing admissions under RTE though it is mandatory, senior counsel Anil Sakhare, appearing for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), said 11 such institutions had been issued showcause notices.
The court also expressed concerns over the online admission process for 25 per cent reserved seats under RTE, saying there a survey should be conducted for such children and schools.

“What steps are you (state) taking to collect information (about students and schools) from the local authorities?” Justice Mohta asked.
In reply, Advocate General Darius Khambata told the court that the state was taking steps to publicise the admission process, but could not force parents for admissions. “It is the first year of online admissions (for 25 per cent reserved seats under RTE). It is like a trial and error and a social experiment that could have tremendous results,” Khambata said.

The court then directed the state to give proper publicity for the ongoing online admission process that ends on September 30.

mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com

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