SFI activists stage protest in Coimbatore over RTE Act

While the Act mandated private schools to set aside 25 per cent of their total seats to students from socio-economically weaker sections, the activists alleged that this provision was not being implemented and claimed that many schools were refusing to issue applications.

SFI members staging a protest in front of CEO’s office in Coimbatore on Wednesday. — PHOTO: S. SIVA SARAVANAN

Students Federation of India activists staged a protest in front of the School Education Department office here on Wednesday demanding effective implementation of the Right To Education Act in private schools.

While the Act mandated private schools to set aside 25 per cent of their total seats to students from socio-economically weaker sections, the activists alleged that this provision was not being implemented and claimed that many schools were refusing to issue applications.

In a petition submitted to Chief Educational Officer A. Gnanagowri, the members also alleged that the private schools were collecting fees in excess of the levels filed by the Private Schools Fee Determination Committee.

They urged the official to crackdown on such schools. Ms. Gnanagowri assured them that action would be taken against schools violating the norms. She also explained the provisions of the RTE Act and the functioning of a grievance cell set up to look into these issues.

In Tirupur , SFI members took to the streets on Wednesday alleging that inadequate attention was given to improve infrastructure in government/Corporation schools in the city and also demanded impartial checks in private schools to ascertain whether the institutions followed RTE guidelines.