Chandigarh schools ask for parents’ occupation

Naina Mishra
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 15

“What is your annual income, educational qualification and occupation? What brand of cell phone do you use?” No, these are not the questions one encounters in a job interview or a game show. Private schools in the city want this information from parents of prospective nursery students.

With fresh admissions round the corner, the practice of schools profiling parents to shortlist students for elementary classes remains a persistent roadblock to fair and transparent admissions.

A review of websites of city-based schools by The Tribune reveals that the schools have been indulging in practices related to profiling parents and children — in violation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act and orders of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).

Though many schools have adopted a draw of lots system to fill nursery seats, admission forms depict blatant violation of norms.

The admission form of a Sector-26 school asks parents: “How would you contribute to your child’s education at school? What expectations do you have of your child? Have you noticed any behavioural or learning difficulty in your child? Extra-curricular activities participated in (sports, music, dance, theatre, competitions).” It further mentions that the questions formed an “important part” of the admission process.

The form of another school based in Sector 7 seeks details under talent search column. “My child is especially talented in — studies, sports, dance, music, debate, art and craft, dance, acting and others,” it asks.

HS Mamik, president, Independent School Association, said: “It is surprising as to why certain schools want to know parents’ income. If parents are taking admission forms, they must be in a capacity to pay the fee. To know the profession of parents is agreeable but knowing their income is not.”

Chandigarh Parent Association president Nitin Goyal said: “Though it is not allowed under the RTE Act, many private schools undertake profiling of parents and ask about their qualification, designation, yearly income and some even seek to know the mobile handset they use to gauge their financial status. The education department has become a mute spectator.”

Admissions begin in Nov last week

• Information on schools’ website: Before Dec 2; collection of admission form: From Dec 3-14
• List of eligible candidates to be out: Before Jan 16
• Final list of selected candidates and waiting list: By Jan 31
• Fee deposition: By Feb 12

(Admission forms will be available free of cost and Rs 100 will be charged as registration fee.)