Himachal Pradesh schools face scrutiny over RTE compliance
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Oct 7,
The Himachal Pradesh Education Department is intensifying its efforts to ensure private schools adhere to the Right to Education (RTE) Act’s mandate of reserving 25% of seats for Below Poverty Line (BPL) students. This push comes in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which has brought the issue to the forefront.
An inspection conducted by the Education Department revealed that several private schools, including some prominent institutions in Shimla, are not fully complying with the RTE provisions. Many schools have admitted only a handful of BPL students, despite the state government offering financial aid to cover tuition fees upto Rs 5,600 per student per month. This non-compliance has raised concerns about the monopolistic practices of private schools, which often prioritize students from wealthier families who can afford higher fees.
Parents and student associations have expressed frustration with the increasing fees charged by private schools, which often include charges for development and extracurricular activities. They argue that the quality of education and staff salaries do not justify these fee hikes. The issue is particularly concerning in schools that have received state grants but continue to neglect their obligations under the RTE Act.
The state government is now under pressure to balance the interests of powerful private school lobbies with the demands of the public for stricter regulations. While many parents are dissatisfied with the rising fees, they also want private schools to improve their services and ensure equitable access to education for all students.
As the court hearing approaches, the state government’s response to this issue will be crucial in shaping future education policy and ensuring that private schools comply with the law, providing equitable education opportunities for all students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds.
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