This year, MCD schools in the fray
NEW DELHI: For the first time, around 380 municipal schools will be included in the nursery admission process for the new academic year, according to a Delhi government notification issued on Saturday.
“Private schools recognised/ provisionally recognised up to primary level (Class V) by East MCD and North MCD have been included in the computerised online admission system for EWS/DG category admissions at an entry level for which a separate order will also be issued by both the MCDS,” the directorate of education (DOE) notification stated.
The new rules and schedule were announced by the directorate of education (DOE) on Saturday as part of the schedule and guidelines for nursery admissions under Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Disadvantaged Groups (DG) category to around 1,500 private unaided and recognised schools in the capital.
The admission process for EWS/DG and Children with Disabilities category will begin on January 15 and the last date for submission of online applications is on February 14. While the first computerised draw of lots for children with disability category applicants is scheduled to take
place on February 21, the same for EWS/DG category applicants will happen on February 27.
The Right to Education Act, 2009 mandates that 25% seats in all entry level classes (nursery, kindergarten, and Class-1) in all private schools excluding minority institutions be reserved for EWS/DG groups.
According to a notification last year, only children up to the age of four, five and six will be admitted to nursery, kindergarten and class 1, also called entry-level Admission process begins
classes, under the general category students. Despite the 2018 notification which assured revised upper age limits under EWS/DG category for 2019-20 session, the DOE has not changed the eligible age limits this year.
Children applying for nursery under EWS/DG category must be between 3-5 years as on March 31, 2019. While those applying for KG should be between 4-6 years, applicants for Class-1 must be between 5-7 years.
Explaining the reason behind this, Yogesh Pratap, Deputy Director of Education, said the decision was taken to “keep things non-controversial.” “Some NGOS have filed petitions saying kids belonging to weaker sections might not be so advanced as to catch up at such an early age. We wanted to avoid any issues,” he added.
“There should not be different age limits for general and EWS category and benefits should be given to general category as well,” said Khagesh Jha, a lawyer and an education activist. “Another thing is that a 2017 DOE circular under RPWD Act states that disabled students can be allowed four year relaxation in Class 1. This is in conflict with the age limit mentioned in the current circular.”
While those families which have an annual income of less than Rs 1 lakh are eligible for applying under EWS category, kids belonging to SC/ST/OBC non-creamy layer groups can apply under the DG category along with orphans, transgenders, and all children living with or affected by HIV. Requisite income certificate issued by the revenue department will be required for those applying under the EWS category. Applicants applying under Children with Disabilities category will need a disability certificate issued from a government hospital.