Only 27 city schools claim reimbursement

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 18

Of 77 private schools in the city, only 27 have sought reimbursement against admitting students from economically weaker sections (EWS). Monday was the last day for the schools to file claims with the Education Department.

The schools were required to submit information regarding claims against entry-level admissions for 2016-17 and 2017-18. The pending claims for 2013-14, 2014-15, and 2015-16 were sought by the department.

There are 55 non-minority schools that are required to reserve 25 per cent of their seats for students from economically weaker sections under Right to Education (RTE) Act. The remaining 22 schools need to reserve 15 per cent of their seats as per the Land Allotment Rules. They are required to seek claims for seats reserved above this.

This year, the Education Department had sought details from 77 schools, including minority schools. The department reimburses the expenditure per child above the 15 per cent requirement, up to 25 per cent, for minority schools as well.

District Education Officer Anujit Kaur said, “The schools do not claim when the department asks for. Then, on what basis, can they say that the department does not reimburse the amount when they apply?”

HS Mamik, president, Independent Schools’ Association, said, “The department should reimburse for all 25 per cent seats. They don’t want to refund the amount and keep passing the buck. Every school is claiming for reimbursement as there is no problem for showing accounts. The department has balance sheets of the schools.”

Deadline over 

Monday was the last day for the schools to file claims with the Education Department. The schools were required to submit information regarding claims against entry-level admissions for 2016-17 and 2017-18.  Pending claims till 2015-16 were also sought.