Why has Haryana govt’s CHEERAG scheme received lukewarm response

Private schools in Haryana have been giving a lukewarm response to the CM Haryana Equal Education Relief Assistance and Grant Scheme (CHEERAG) scheme. For the academic year 2026-27, just over 1,100 recognised private schools in Haryana have offered seats under the government scheme for the students, who are studying at government schools but wish to do further studies at private schools.What is the CHEERAG scheme? The scheme aims to provide an opportunity to students studying at government schools and those belonging to the economically weaker section, with a family having an annual income of up to Rs 8 lakh, to secure admission at private schools. However, a student will be eligible for admission only against the seats available in the recognised private schools of the same block in which they are currently studying.How many seats were offered by private schools?As per the list of eligible schools released by the Directorate of Elementary Education 47,255 seats were offered by over 1,100 schools for the classes VI to XII, for the upcoming academic year. There are over 9,200 recognised private schools in the state, but with just around 1,100 offering seats under the scheme, indicates a lukewarm response being given by the private schools to the government scheme. In Ambala, only 17 schools have opted to offer seats.What is the reason behind the lukewarm response?The private schools’ representatives attribute the low participation to issues related to reimbursement, while the Education Department officials believe that the prominent private schools are reluctant to admit government school students due to concerns over their ability to compete academically. Moreover, since it is not mandatory for the schools to offer seats under CHEERAG, the schools don't want to participate.What are the concerns of private school operators?As per private school operators, every year the government is reducing one class from the CHEERAG scheme and it will be phased out in the next few years. This year the admissions will be done in classes VI to XII only, and the next year, it will be from class VII onwards. They also claimed that they had been already facing issues with the reimbursement of students studying under the government schemes. Only a section of the private schools especially those situated in the rural areas, offer their seats as it increases the enrolment in their schools.What do the Education Dept officials say about the scheme?The scheme provides an opportunity to the government school students to take admissions in the private schools. The department will ensure a smooth admission process for the government school students who wish to do further studies in private schools, offering seats.

Why has Haryana govt’s CHEERAG scheme received lukewarm response

Private schools’ representatives attribute low participation to issues related to reimbursement

Nitish Sharma

Tribune News Service

Why has Haryana govt’s CHEERAG scheme received lukewarm response

Private schools’ representatives attribute low participation to issues related to reimbursement

Nitish Sharma

Tribune News Service

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