Why Are Over 13,000 RTE Seats Still Vacant in Gujarat?
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Synopsis
The conclusion of the first round of admissions under the RTE Act in Gujarat has left over 13,000 seats vacant in private schools. This increase in unfilled seats raises questions about the effectiveness of the admission process and the factors contributing to this situation.
Key Takeaways
- Over 13,000 seats are unallocated in Gujarat's first RTE admission round.
- Increased applications due to higher income eligibility limits.
- 93,860 seats were made available across 9,741 schools.
- Challenges include documentation issues and lack of parent selection.
- Second round of admissions anticipated to address remaining vacancies.
Gandhinagar, May 12 (NationPress) The initial round of admissions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act in Gujarat has concluded, leaving a total of 13,384 seats unfilled in private schools throughout the state, as reported by officials.
This initiative, which provides free admission to Class 1 students in private institutions under the 25 percent RTE quota, resulted in 86,274 seats being assigned during the first round. However, by the deadline of May 8, only 80,378 admissions were confirmed by parents, according to official figures.
This year's RTE campaign saw a marked increase in interest, with 2,38,916 online applications submitted — a substantial rise compared to previous years.
Officials credit this increase to a significant adjustment in the income eligibility cap, which has been uniformly set at Rs 6 lakh for both urban and rural families. Previously, the limit was Rs 1.5 lakh for urban areas and Rs 1.2 lakh for rural applicants.
The broadened criteria are estimated to have added nearly 45,000 additional applications to the overall count. Out of the total applications, 1,75,685 were accepted at the district level following verification.
In contrast, 13,761 applications were denied, and 49,470 were revoked, primarily due to duplication or documentation discrepancies.
This year, the state allocated 93,860 seats across 9,741 private schools under the RTE quota. The initial round of allotments, which took place on April 28, was determined based on parental preferences, reservation categories, and merit criteria.
Nonetheless, 7,586 seats went unallocated as no parents opted for those institutions. The second round of admissions is anticipated to commence soon to fill the leftover vacancies.
Officials are optimistic that the remaining openings will be filled in the upcoming phase, as a greater number of eligible children are expected to apply.
The Right to Education (RTE) Act in Gujarat ensures free admission for children from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds in private unaided schools.
As part of the 25 percent reservation mandated under Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, the Gujarat government organizes an online centralized admission process each year for enrollment in Standard 1 at private schools.
Point of View
The situation surrounding the RTE admissions in Gujarat highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring access to quality education for all children. Despite a significant increase in applications, the unallocated seats raise concerns about systemic barriers that still exist. As we navigate this landscape, it is crucial to remain committed to the principles of the RTE Act and work toward inclusivity and transparency in the admission process.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Right to Education Act?
The Right to Education Act is a legislation in India that provides free and compulsory education to children aged 6 to 14 years, ensuring access to education for economically and socially disadvantaged groups.
Why are there so many vacant seats in Gujarat?
The high number of vacant seats can be attributed to several factors, including the selection of schools by parents, documentation issues, and an increase in the income eligibility limit, which may have affected parental choices.
How many applications were submitted for RTE this year?
This year, a total of 238,916 online applications were submitted under the Right to Education Act in Gujarat.
What is the income eligibility limit for RTE?
The income eligibility limit for parents has been raised to Rs 6 lakh for both urban and rural families, offering greater access to the RTE scheme.
When does the second round of admissions begin?
The second round of admissions is expected to commence shortly after the first round concludes, aiming to fill the remaining vacant seats in private schools.
