Punjab education department faces backlash over Schools of Eminence admissions
The Punjab education department’s decision to scale down admissions of a section of students in Classes VI, IX and XI at 118 Schools of Eminence (SOE) has raked up controversy.
Terming the move discriminatory, the Democratic Teacher Front (DTF) has alleged the AAP government of discouraging students from taking admissions in the SOEs, particularly in campuses that also have non-SOE students.
All SOE campuses have two sets of classes—one for students who gain admission through an entrance test, entitling them to special facilities like uniform allowances, enhanced learning programmes, state-of-the-art sports facilities, and smart classrooms. The other section comprises students who enrol without an entrance test and do not receive these additional benefits.
The Director of School Education (Secondary), in an order issued on March 24, directed District Education Officers (DEOs) to scale down admissions of non-SOE students to optimise resources for those selected through the entrance test. The DEOs were instructed to encourage such students to take admission in other regular schools. The directive was issued under the instructions of Education Minister Harjot Bains.
Countering the decision, the Education Minister said the SOE model was specifically designed for students who qualify through the entrance test.
“With an increasing number of students seeking admission through the test, we are adding sections. At the same time, we are improving infrastructure in other schools as well.”
However, DTF President Vikram Dev alleged that the directive was an attempt to cover up the shortage of lecturers in the SOEs.
“A similar order to stop admissions in Class VI was issued in 2023 but had to be withdrawn after protests from parents and teacher unions. Instead of admitting students from the catchment area of other schools, all schools should follow their feeding catchment areas and provide quality education to all,” he asserted.
