Private schools have no seats for EWS students

Many private schools in the city have failed to follow the directions issued by the Education department...

Many private schools in the city have failed to follow the directions issued by the Education department, which has made it mandatory for all schools to admit a minimum of 15 per cent students from the economically weaker sections EWS of the society. While the Department says they have taken note of this, schools are violating the norms unchecked.

According to the data procured from the Education Department, out of the 57 schools assessed by the Department for the norm as in June 2008, only eight schools have admitted 15 per cent of their total strength from the economically weaker sections of the society.

Schools including Chandigarh Baptist, Dutt Vishesh, St. Anne8217;s, Paragon Convent are among the few schools that have more than the required percentage of students from the economically weaker sections. While Chandigarh Baptist has 23.5 per cent, Dutt Vishesh has 19 and St. Anne8217;s has 27.6 per cent students studying under the EWS.

On the other hand, of the 560 students studying in Strawberry Field School, only 0.7 per cent belong to the EWS. St. Soldier School, too, has an equally alarming figure of only seven students out of the total 1189 studying under the EWS scheme.

The Education department had issued instructions to all the private schools in the city to follow these norms as an effort to provide quality education to students from poor families. Many schools, however, have not followed the norms. While most erring principals refused to come on record, others said they will admit the required number from the next session onwards. 8220;This process takes time. We are working on it and have not denied admission to anyone belonging to a poor family. But they are not willing to come forward,8221; said a principal requesting anonymity.

Among the other schools that have not admitted students from the EWS are Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Sector 27 4.36 per cent, DAV Public School, Sector 8 2.03 per cent and Ryan International School 0.5 per cent.

Commenting on the issue, Samwartak Singh, Director Public Instructions Schools, said the department has taken serious note of the schools that have not followed the rules. 8220;It is a serious matter. Education is the right of every child irrespective of his economic status. We will make sure that they are not denied their right,8221; he said.