It is difficult to find a candidate more fit for a seat under the Right to Education (RTE) Act’s quota for underprivileged children than M. Srinivasa. Nearly four years old today, he was an abandoned child who was adopted by Mala, a Group D employee of the Bangalore University in 2009.
He is ready to go to school. But when Ms. Mala, approached a private school in Rajajinagar, he was denied admission after being made to run around for nearly two months.
“We approached the Block Education Officer (BEO) and we were told that all was clear for admission. After two months, the school said that he cannot be given a seat,” said a distraught Ms. Mala. “Now it is difficult to find another school.”
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Primary and Secondary Education Minister Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri said that he would look into the problem and find a solution in two days.
In August 2009, Srinivasa was found abandoned at birth. He had been mauled and disfigured by dogs when Ms. Mala found him. The child has since then had several long stays in hospitals, going through eye surgery and having his nose reconstructed through plastic surgery. “He is a very active child and very intelligent,” said Ms. Mala.