Private schools told to reserve 25% seats for EWS under RTE

The Directorate General of Elementary School Education has instructed all District Elementary Education Officers (DEEOs) to ensure that 25% of seats in the first or entry-level class in all recognised private schools are reserved for children from economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups, as mandated by the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

Private schools must upload details of these reserved seats on the government portal by April 1, midnight.

Rachna Bana, DEEO, Sonepat, said, "As per the letter received from the Directorate, every private school must allocate 25% of seats for children from EWS and disadvantaged groups across five categories."

The disadvantaged groups specified in the directive include children from below poverty line (BPL) families in rural and urban areas, orphaned students, HIV-affected students, children with special needs and children of war widows.

According to the official directive, all private schools must enter the 25% seat reservation data online for their first or entry-level class. Schools are required to log in to the designated portal using their MIS username and password to complete the registration.

"The deadline for uploading seat details online is April 1, 12 midnight," the DEEO emphasised.

The Education Department has issued a strict warning to schools that fail to comply with the directive. "Departmental action will be taken against private schools which fail to register on the portal within the stipulated time limit," the DEEO cautioned.