District Collector M. Karunakaran has directed the heads of non-minority private schools to reserve 25 per cent of seats in their institutions for poor students as mandated by the Right to Education Act.
Addressing a meeting held at Palayamkottai on Friday with the heads of non-minority private schools, Dr. Karunakaran said these schools should reserve 25 per cent of the total seats in Lower Kindergarten, first standard and sixth standard for poor children and admit them as mandated by the Right to Education Act. The heads of these institutions should cooperate with the district administration in ensuring that this target is achieved cent per cent.
“The school administrations should maintain records on the number of applications received and the admissions given under this category. If the schools refuse to receive applications, the applicants can submit their applications in the educational offices concerned for getting admission in the school of their choice. If more number of applications is received, selection of students under RTE Act will be done in the presence of officials from the Department of Education through lots,” Dr. Karunakaran said.
He also asked the administrations of these schools to keep flex boards in front of their institution explaining the 25 per cent reservations given under RTE Act and give applications to the aspirants free of cost.
Director of Matriculation Schools R. Pitchai, Chief Educational Officer R. Swaminathan, Inspector of Matriculation Schools S. Bala and educational officers from the district participated in the meeting. Meanwhile, a group of Campus Front of India activists staged demonstration in front of the Office of Chief Educational Officer here on Friday evening demanding 25 per cent admission of poor students in the non-minority schools.
“The school administrations should maintain records on number of applications received and admissions given”
