The warning by the Delhi government regarding the cancellation of lease by the DDA has been taken seriously by the administration of the schools who are now preparing data reports to be sent to the government. The directorate of education had sent a notice to private schools on Friday saying that if they fail to send compliance reports for admissions to entry-level classes in the past four years under the EWS category within two weeks, they would cancel the lease of their land.
Sonal Bhatia, a teacher with Delhi International School, said, “We had been instructed to properly examine EWS certificates and any income certificate from the parents/ applicants who have been selected under disadvantaged students category (DG). Since all private schools were asked to reserve 25 per cent of seats for the EWS category, we have followed that norm. I am in the administration panel so we are working upon the data and will most probably send the compliance report within a week.”
On the condition of anonymity, an administrative official from Apeejay International School said, “As per the RTE Act, 2009, which mandates that private unaided schools keep aside 25 per cent of their entry-level seats for children belonging to EWS and DG category, we have been reserving around 45 seats every year. The admission procedure is carried out through drawing of lots in the presence of nominees of DoE. We held a meeting after the notice was issued and since it is a very serious matter, we are working on it.”
But, there are some who feel that the government is interfering with the procedure of private schools, which have certain autonomy. Suresh Haldar, administrative member of Sahoday Sr. Secondary School, said, “Private schools under the Constitution have been given certain autonomy which is being interfered by the successive government. Certain decisions like admissions, fixation of fees and appointment of teachers falls under the school’s jurisdiction.”
