-The Telegraph   The Right to Education (RTE) Act does not bar any child from outside the “neighbourhood” to participate in the lottery system for admission to schools — contrary to what the Bengal government has been claiming. The enforcement of such a radius rule yesterday had triggered a near-riot in a Malda school that cited a government directive and disallowed applicants who reside beyond 1km from participating in a draw. State governments are...

-The Times of India   Strongly reacting to the newspaper reports highlighting how many schools, despite a blanket ban, are conducting interviews for admission, a city-based social activist Komal Srivastava, working for the implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009 has decided to come-up with a helpline for admission-related complaints. They are also planning to come up with a helpline service for the parents. "This is the only Act which can...

The uncertainty over the Lokpal Bill has overshadowed an equally significant National Food Security Bill, which was cleared by the Union Cabinet last week and is to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The Bill has been in the eye of the storm over targeted coverage of beneficiaries as against universalisation in view of the immense ramifications for the aam aadmi , struggling with rising food prices. In the second...

-The Hindustan Times   With the Right to Education Act (RTE) setting aside 25% of seats in schools for students of the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), heads of minority institutions in the city have expressed their displeasure at the reservation. Claiming that a substantial percentage of the seats was already being given to students of the minority EWS community, principals of several schools such as St. Columba's, Carmel Convent School and Guru...

Several upper-caste children have allegedly refused midday meals prepared by Dalit cooks in an Andhra school, sparking fears that one of UPA’s key welfare schemes could be turning into a platform to perpetuate caste prejudices. The authorities of the Zilla Parishad School at Sundaragiri in Karimnagar — slain Maoist leader Kishan’s home district — have alleged that the children turning down the food are being goaded by their elders, including some...