The central government has called on four states—Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Kerala—to enforce the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which mandates that private unaided schools reserve 25% of their seats for children from disadvantaged and economically weaker sections.
The RTE Act of 2009, specifically Section 12(1)(c), requires private schools to allocate 25% of their seats to children from weaker sections. This provision was upheld as constitutional by the Supreme Court in a landmark judgment in 2012. The central government's recent appeal underscores the importance of this mandate, aiming to ensure that more underprivileged children gain access to quality education.
As per News18 reports, in its directive, the government emphasized that all schools, except private, unaided minority institutions, must comply with the 25% reservation rule. The government has also assured that it will reimburse the cost of educating these students in private schools, alleviating any financial burden that might deter compliance.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote inclusion and provide free education to underprivileged children. By urging these four states to enforce the RTE rule, the Centre aims to ensure that children from disadvantaged backgrounds can benefit from the educational opportunities offered by private schools.
Implementing this rule is expected to benefit thousands of children from weaker sections, providing them access to the quality education available in private institutions. This move is a significant step towards bridging the educational divide and fostering inclusive growth nationwide.
The central government has written to the concerned states, urging swift compliance with the RTE mandate. The letters highlight the need for immediate action to allocate 25% of seats in private schools to disadvantaged students, reinforcing the government's commitment to equitable education for all.
This directive aligns with the government's ongoing efforts to ensure that economic status does not limit educational opportunities. By mandating the 25% reservation, the government aims to create a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape where children from all backgrounds have the chance to thrive.