Himachal News: 25% Reservation Mandated for Disadvantaged Children in Private Schools Under RTE Act, 2009

Shimla, November 19: A state government spokesperson said here on Monday that 25 percent reservation for children from socially and economically disadvantaged sections is mandatory in private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

Its objective is to promote inclusiveness and equality in education. Children from disadvantaged sections and special groups will be eligible for these reserved seats. Schools cannot refuse admission to any child and admission in schools with more applications can be decided through lottery. He said that schools are reimbursed for tuition fees or per-student expenditure in government schools, whichever is less, is paid by the government.

He said that continuous efforts are being made by the government to ensure that children from disadvantaged sections get quality education in private schools. The spokesperson said that to ensure effective implementation, private schools will have to follow the Right to Education Act and adopt a transparent admission process by reserving 25 percent seats for eligible children. In case more than 25 percent of students apply, lottery based admission process will have to be adopted.

The spokesperson said that for obtaining more information, the concerned District Elementary Education Office and Director, Elementary Education, Himachal Pradesh, Shimla-1 can be contacted on telephone number 0177-2658044, 2812464 or email: eleedu-hp@gov.in.