Over 2,800 pvt schools to face penalty over EWS admissions

Over 2,800 private schools in the state are likely to face penalty ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh for not complying with the directions of the Directorate of Elementary Education regarding admissions of students belonging to economically weaker section under the Right to Education (RTE) during the academic session 2025-26.

The directorate has directed the district elementary education officers (DEEOs) to send information regarding the 1,680 recognised private schools that had not declared their seats in the state, with recommendation and proposal. Directions have also been issued regarding another 1,128 recognised private schools that were rejected by DEEOs on recognition and other grounds for allotment of seats.

The directorate has also asked the officials to send the details of recognised and unrecognised schools with their respective MIS codes that have been lying closed. The officials have been told to send their reports by October 23.

The penalty will be imposed on the basis of the monthly fee being charged by the private schools.

Meanwhile, a private school body said the department should clear the pending dues with interests else it would move the high court against the department.

Kulbhushan Sharma, president, National Independent Schools Alliance, said: “We have no objection to the action being taken against schools that didn’t declare their seats despite repeated directions by the department. But there are a number of schools that failed to upload their data due to the issues related to the portal of the department and miscommunication, and no action should be taken against such schools.”

“The department was also late on its part in starting the admission process, and it lacked clarity at various levels. The department should fix the responsibility of its officials too and take appropriate action. A majority of the schools have no objection in giving admissions if the dues are cleared in time and as per the RTE Act. The department should clear the pending dues with interest and ensure timely admission process, else the NISA will be forced to move the Punjab and Haryana High Court," he added.