Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 73
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 74
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Warning (512): Unable to emit headers. Headers sent in file=/home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php line=853 [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 48]
Warning (2): Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php:853) [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 148]
Warning (2): Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php:853) [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 181]
Notice (8): Undefined variable: urlPrefix [APP/Template/Layout/printlayout.ctp, line 8]latest-news-updates/school-rejects-admission-under-rte-in-writing-garima-prasher-19239.html"/> LATEST NEWS UPDATES | School rejects admission under RTE, in writing -Garima Prasher | Im4change.org
Resource centre on India's rural distress
 
 

School rejects admission under RTE, in writing -Garima Prasher

-The Times of India

BANGALORE: When Samuel Joseph (name changed), a parent, went to the Indian Public School in Sultanpalya on Monday to get his five-year-old daughter admitted under the Right to Education Act (RTE), this is what he was told by the headmaster. "First go and ask the government to pay me the remaining reimbursement amount and deposit it with the BEO. Then come to me for admission."

Blame it on the tolerant attitude of education department, schools do not fear in saying no to RTE even if it comes to giving such statements in writing.

When Samuel objected, the headmaster handed him a letter with his signature and school's stamp. "Indian Public School does not entertain any application under the Act directly. However, the school can fill 25% seats under the Act, provided the education department of Karnataka forwards such eligible applications on or before February 28, subject to payment of full school fee and other charges directly to the school," says the letter, a copy of which is available with TOI. The letter further says, "The request for free admission cannot be considered as it will defeat the very spirit of eleven judges constitution bench of Supreme Court of India in case of TMA Pai Foundation vs State of Karnataka."

Samuel, a painter by profession, had to return empty-handed. "I was not aware of RTE till two days ago. I got to know about the scheme from one of my friends and the very next day I went to submit the form. The school is close to my house and that's why I want my daughter to be admitted there," says Samuel, who is not the only one sent back.

Merry Albert (name changed) too had approached the same school for the admission of her six-year-old son but returned disappointed. "How can we go and ask the government for the money? I do not know whose fault it is, but the fact is my son's future is in jeopardy. My husband is into tile business and doesn't earn enough to admit our son in a private school. The scheme was a ray of hope to us, which seems to be fading now," she says.

The concerned school's headmaster remained unavailable for comment, when TOI tried to get in touch with him.

RTE must for all: Kageri

"I am not aware of the issue. If there is something like this, I will look into the matter and ensure that this school takes students under RTE. Strict action will be taken against any institution that does not follow the Act," said Visvesvara Hegde Kageri, primary and secondary education minister.

RTE date extended to Feb 19

The last date for the submission of admission forms under RTE has been extended till February 19. According to SR Umashankar, commissioner for public instruction, it was done by the education department after requests by parents who were finding it difficult to avail income certificates and also department officials. "Many poor parents have applied for income certificates at revenue offices and have not received them yet. I am also told there is a huge rush at these offices due to administrative reshuffle and the process will take at least 21 days," said Umashankar.