Chandigarh, Dec 15: Private unaided schools in Chandigarh have objected to what they describe as forced admissions of Economically Weaker Section (EWS) students, arguing that government schools continue to have vacant seats at entry levels.
The Independent Schools’ Association Chandigarh (ISAC) has submitted a representation to the UT education department, raising concerns over the implementation of EWS provisions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act and pointing to long-pending reimbursement dues.
“Private schools are being directed to admit EWS students even when government schools have adequate capacity,” the association said in its letter to the director school education (DSE). “Under the RTE Act, the primary responsibility of educating EWS students rests with the government.”
ISAC cited information obtained under the Right to Information Act to claim that several government schools across city sectors had vacant seats in Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Class 1 during the 2021-22 academic session. The association also said a reduction in intake at the Balvatika level in government schools has led to increased referrals to private institutions.
The association reiterated that private unaided schools are required to admit EWS students only when government schools in a particular locality have exhausted their capacity.
Reacting to the representation, newly appointed DSE Nitish Singla said, “I will look into the matter and do the needful.”
