30% private schools in Haryana yet to allocate seats for EWS students, face de-recognition threat

State Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda has warned 30 per cent private schools of the state of strict action if they fail to implement the Right to Education  Act( RTE) Act in letter and spirit.

At a review meeting on Tuesday night, Dhanda stated that under the RTE Act, it was mandatory for all recognised private schools in Haryana to reserve 25 per cent of seats in Class I for children from economically weaker sections. He informed that, so far, 70 per cent of the private schools had allocated seats through the Ujjwal Portal.

However, he warned that strict action would be taken against the remaining 30 per cent schools if they fail to comply with the directives soon. The minister has directed education officials to ensure enforcement of the rule, adding that non-compliance could lead to the cancellation of the school’s recognition.

Dhanda stated that under Rule 158(6) of the Haryana School Education Rules, 2003, no recognised school in the state was allowed to compel students or their parents to purchase textbooks, stationery or uniforms from a particular shop. He said that while 2,07,685 students were enrolled in Class V in government schools as of April 30, 2024; this year, 2,04,163 students had already been admitted by April 15. He expressed confidence that by April 30, the number of admissions will surpass last year’s figure.