Keep whole process transparent, says Manish Sisodia

New Delhi: With the admission process for open seats in entry-level classes of private unaided schools beginning in the city from January 2, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia has asked these institutes to maintain transparency in the whole procedure and fees charged.

“The Delhi government has just two expectations from private schools — transparency in admission process and fixation of fees on the basis of real expenses of schools. They should not earn profit from it,” he said at an event organised at a private school.

The Delhi government’s directorate of education has released a detailed schedule for 2017-18 session, as per which the last date of submitting application forms is January 23.

The first list of selected children, along with marks secured by them, will be out on February 15. The second list will be out on February 28 and the admission process will conclude on March 31.

Twenty-five per cent seats in pre-school, pre-primary and Class I will be reserved for economically weaker sections/disadvantaged groups (EWS/DG). The directorate has instructed all private schools to upload their criteria (with points for each criterion) for admission in open seats, on its official website by January 1.

Mr Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, assured private schools of government’s cooperation, if these institutes are transparent regarding admission and fees charged, but warned of “stern action” if they charge fees “arbitrarily.”

He also lauded private schools for providing good quality of education and infrastructure and added that the government will provide the same in schools run by it.

The Deputy CM has also asked the education officials to come up with ideas for better implementation of the “reading” project, which aims to improve students’ learning ability, in government schools and assured them of full support of the administration.

At a meeting with education department officials, he said they can “think of anything for the effective implementation of the project and there is no lack of resources for this purpose.”

Mr Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, asked them to review the campaign and focus on training of principals and teachers. “Do not think how will it happen. Your job is to make a demand. If you feel there is a need to train principals, tell us,” the minister said.

Lauding their work, he told the officials that they were “the leaders of the campaign at the ground level.” The meeting analysed the performance of all districts. It was attended by additional directors, deputy directors and regional directors who discussed the effects of the campaign and strategy for improvement and effective implementation.