KV schools take the lead in adherence to RTE clauses

Sale of forms for admissions started on Wednesday

While many private schools are grappling with the implementation of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE) for admissions to Class I, the schools under the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) are taking the lead in ensuring every clause is being adhered to.

Parents formed long queues at counters in the schools under the KVS as sale of forms for the admission began on Wednesday. This is the second year that the KV schools have framed certain guidelines based on the clauses of RTE Act for the admission process.

Parents standing around the notice board at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Thirumangalam, carefully read the eligibility criterion for admission that said that they would accept students above five years as on March 31.

“My daughter was born four days after the given date. But it is good that they are not compromising on the prescribed conditions,” said R. Kumar, who decided to seek admission next year for his daughter.

The issue of form and registration process will be on till March 20. Barring a few changes, the guidelines being followed this year by KVS, Chennai, are the same as last year. “Last year, priority was given to those under the reserved category. For instance, a student under the Scheduled Caste category and whose parents are Central government employees would be considered for the 25 per cent reserved seats chosen through lots. But this year, the student will first be considered in the general category and if he/she fails to get admission under it, he can then apply to the reserved category,” said M. Vellaichamy, Principal, KV, AFS Madambakkam camp.

Similarly, until last year the eligible age for applying up to class IV was calculated based on age as on March 31. Above Class V, the age was calculated as on September 30.

“But due to discrepancies in calculating the ‘age-appropriate class,' from this year onwards the age for all classes will be calculated uniformly as on March 31,” said N.R. Murali, assistant commissioner, KVS, Chennai. There are 39 schools under KVS in Tamil Nadu.

Out of the 41 seats allotted in a classroom for admission, 10 are set aside for various reserved categories such as Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, physically challenged and children from economically weaker sections. “The students are chosen by drawing lots,” says Mr. Murali.