Civic body to spread the word about admissions under RTE

CBD BELAPUR: In an attempt to step up efforts to ensure that underprivileged students are able to get admission into private schools under the 25% quota in the Right To Education Act, the civic body will start an awareness campaign.

The education department’s campaign, which will begin from Wednesday, will include hoardings being put up in various parts of the city at several prominent chowks and public places, to create awareness on the issue. The information will also be given out through local newspapers and cable television networks.

RS Naikwadi, education officer of the civic body said, “The education department is taking steps to ensure that eligible students get admitted in Marathi and English-medium schools, including those affiliated to CBSE.”

While the education department of the civic body already informed private schools of the admission schedule to be followed in its meeting with principals on March 22, it has now asked par- ents to inform them of an inconvenience that they may face during the process.

“Children eligible can to private schools at the earliest as per the schedule declared by us. If they face any problem, they should contact our department and we will initiate action,” said Naikwadi.

The act was implemented by the Maharashtra government in 2011, which made it mandatory for all privately-owned and unaided schools to reserve 25% seats at the time of admission for students belonging to economically weaker sections of society, between 6 and 14 years.

There are around 182 private school, of which 37 are unaided, minority schools. The education committee has stepped up efforts to ensure effective implementation of the act in remaining 145 private schools.