Gujarat: RTE Act Admission Process Commences in Private Schools
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The RTE Act admission process in Gujarat's private schools has started, allowing eligible urban families to apply until March 12. Important regulations are in place to prevent fraudulent admissions.
Key Takeaways
- RTE admission process runs until March 12.
- 14,778 seats available in Ahmedabad.
- 25% of seats reserved for economically disadvantaged.
- Parents urged to avoid submitting false documents.
- Strict actions against fraudulent admissions.
Ahmedabad, Feb 28 (NationPress) The admission process under the Right to Education (RTE) Act has officially commenced in private schools throughout Gujarat and will run until March 12.
In Ahmedabad alone, there are 14,778 seats available across approximately 1,300 private schools. Each year, prior to the start of a new academic year, the Directorate of Primary Education oversees the RTE admission process. According to government guidelines, children from urban families with an annual income of up to Rs 1.5 lakh qualify for admission to private schools.
As mandated by RTE regulations, 25 percent of seats in private institutions are designated for students from economically disadvantaged and weaker sections. The District Education Department has urged parents to exercise caution when completing admission forms.
Officials have noted that numerous parents encounter challenges in selecting schools and uploading necessary documents, especially when using cyber cafes. Such mistakes can complicate the final stages of admission.
Authorities have cautioned parents against submitting false documents. Those who file Income Tax Returns must accurately declare and upload their financial documents.
In recent years, several instances of fraudulent admissions under the RTE quota have been identified. Last year, 200 students lost their admissions after being found ineligible due to counterfeit income certificates. Officials have stated that any parent discovered submitting forged documents will face severe repercussions, including cancellation of admission and potential legal action.
Moreover, parents are advised to be vigilant against cyber cafe operators or agents who promise guaranteed admissions for a fee.
In Ahmedabad, authorities found that 140 parents used fraudulent income certificates to gain admissions under the RTE scheme.
The District Education Officer (DEO) responded by revoking these illegitimate admissions in November 2023, thereby reinstating opportunities for deserving students.
Additional scrutiny of five private schools in Ahmedabad raised alarms about 308 students who had secured RTE admissions in recent years using fabricated documents and false declarations.
In January 2024, the DEO initiated an investigation, calling the implicated parents for hearings. By mid-February 2024, 170 of these admissions were annulled following comprehensive inquiries.
