Nohradhar private schools strengthen EWS admissions

In a significant move towards inclusive education, private schools in the Trans-Giri’s Nohradhar education block of Sirmaur district have reaffirmed their commitment to reserving 25 per cent of seats for students from economically weaker sections (EWS). The decision was underscored during a key meeting chaired by Block Elementary Education Officer (BEEO) Naresh Thakur, where principals from 10 private schools gathered to discuss the renewal process for the 2025-26 academic session and the strict enforcement of educational guidelines set by the department. During the meeting, Thakur stressed that the EWS reservation is not just a legal mandate but a critical step towards social equality, ensuring quality education for underprivileged children. He directed all private schools to actively promote awareness about free admissions by putting up notices in gram panchayat offices, post offices, bus stands, health centres, and school notice boards. The initiative aims to prevent any eligible child from being deprived of their right to education due to a lack of information. In addition to ensuring EWS admissions, the meeting also focused on school renewal procedures. Thakur made it clear that only schools meeting the prescribed standards during the joint inspection process would have their renewal applications forwarded to higher authorities for approval. Schools with incomplete documentation were urged to rectify discrepancies without delay to avoid disruptions in the renewal process. As part of the compliance process, schools were reminded to submit key documents, including land ownership records, rental agreements (if applicable), building and fire safety certificates, infrastructure details regarding electricity, water, and sanitation, as well as financial and audit reports from the previous year. Thakur emphasised the importance of uploading these records to the education department’s online portal to maintain transparency and ensure adherence to regulations. Another crucial aspect of the discussion was the Unified District Information System for Education (U-DISE) portal, which serves as a database for school infrastructure, teacher profiles, and student enrolments. School principals were urged to update the portal regularly, enabling better planning and efficient allocation of resources. The meeting was attended by key officials, including Satendra Singh Thakur, Coordinator of Private Schools; Devendra Pundeer from the BRC Office; and Monika Sharma, U-DISE Coordinator, who provided valuable insights on compliance and renewal procedures. With these strict guidelines and monitoring mechanisms in place, the Education Department and private schools in Nohradhar block are taking significant strides toward a well-regulated and inclusive education system. The emphasis on EWS admissions marks a crucial step in bridging the educational gap, ensuring that every child, irrespective of financial background, receives access to quality education in a well-equipped and transparent learning environment.