The article, “The ABC of the RTE” (January 12), did not touch upon the ways in which the Right to Education Act is being misused by some private schools, especially in Tamil Nadu. They admit a percentage of children at the entry level — for example, LKG — under the RTE, and then collect fees from parents assuring them that they would return the amount as soon as the State reimburses the amount. Since the Central and State governments have not taken any measures to reimburse the RTE fees, some of the so-called prestigious schools carry on with this practice. Education is all about shaping young minds and should not be reduced to something that is purely a commercial venture. Governments need to take the RTE Act seriously and implement its provisions effectively. The poor in the country deserve free and good education.
S. Ramakrishnasayee,
Ranipet, Tamil Nadu
