With weeks left for schools to reopen, the Education Department has issued fresh circulars on Thursday to further clarify on the process of school admissions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, stressing the role of Block Education Office in ensuring 25 per cent seats to underprivileged children in private schools.
As per the circular, every school will notify to the Block Education Officer (BEO) the number of seats available at entry level.
The BEO will, in turn, fix the calendar of events for admission under 25 per cent quota with details on process to be followed.
The head teacher will “only ascertain” that the application forms are filled.
Notifying dates
The schools, after receiving applications, will have to notify dates of selection to the BEO, besides announcing it on the school notice board.
On the day of the selection, the BEO or a person named by him will observe the process, ensuring that the quota rules (based on caste as well as income criterion) is adhered to.
“All details, original application form and documents are to be submitted to the BEO office,” says the circular. The BEO will then confirm the selection, after verifying the records.
The circular also gives details of method of reimbursement for those admitted under quota. The schools will get either the per child expenditure incurred by them or what is declared by the government, whichever is the lower of the two.
In a separate circular, the department has fixed the responsibility of giving “wide publicity” to the procedure for availing 25 per cent quota to various Department of Public Instruction officials and local body authorities.
Another circular has been issued on how the aided schools have to fix the fee structure.