Punjab Launches Portal for EWS Admissions in Private Schools Under RTE Act
Sixteen years after the Right to Education (RTE) Act came into force, the Punjab government has officially launched an online portal for parents from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups to apply for admissions in private schools. This marks the first implementation of the mandatory 25% reservation quota in Punjab for the 2026-27 academic session, following directives from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The reserved seats are split equally, with 12.5% allocated to EWS candidates and 12.5% to disadvantaged groups, including Scheduled Castes, Orphans, and children with disabilities. Applications are accepted until April 25, with seat allocation conducted via an online draw of lots. Punjab Education Secretary Sonali Giri issued strict guidelines prohibiting discrimination or segregation of these students, ensuring equal access to all school facilities. Non-compliant schools face legal action under the RTE Act, while compliant institutions will receive direct fee reimbursements from the state government. This move addresses long-standing delays in enforcing Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, which mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14.
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Punjab Launches Portal for EWS Admissions in Private Schools Under RTE Act
Sixteen years after the Right to Education (RTE) Act came into force, the Punjab government has officially launched an online portal for parents from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups to apply for admissions in private schools. This marks the first implementation of the mandatory 25% reservation quota in Punjab for the 2026-27 academic session, following directives from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The reserved seats are split equally, with 12.5% allocated to EWS candidates and 12.5% to disadvantaged groups, including Scheduled Castes, Orphans, and children with disabilities. Applications are accepted until April 25, with seat allocation conducted via an online draw of lots. Punjab Education Secretary Sonali Giri issued strict guidelines prohibiting discrimination or segregation of these students, ensuring equal access to all school facilities. Non-compliant schools face legal action under the RTE Act, while compliant institutions will receive direct fee reimbursements from the state government. This move addresses long-standing delays in enforcing Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, which mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14.
The Indian Express