Face2News/Chandigarh
Dr. Kulbhushan Sharma, National President of NISA (National Independent Schools Alliance), welcomed the schedule released for online admissions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act and said that NISA supports the policy of 25% admissions of children from economically weaker sections in recognized private schools and is fully prepared to admit such students in their institutions.
However, he raised some concerns regarding the proper implementation of this policy. He stated that while the state’s Education Minister has recently emphasized communication and official work in Hindi, the RTE application form and schedule have been issued by the department in English, which goes against the sentiments of the Education Minister and official government orders.
Dr. Sharma pointed out that most of the parents eligible under the RTE Act come from limited educational backgrounds and may not be able to comprehend the English forms and apply accordingly. If the department truly intends to ensure that a maximum number of beneficiaries apply and benefit from the scheme, the form must be issued in simple Hindi, along with a video tutorial clearly explaining how to fill the form.
Dr. Sharma pointed out that most of the parents eligible under the RTE Act come from limited educational backgrounds and may not be able to comprehend the English forms and apply accordingly. If the department truly intends to ensure that a maximum number of beneficiaries apply and benefit from the scheme, the form must be issued in simple Hindi, along with a video tutorial clearly explaining how to fill the form.
He further emphasized that the government should also clarify the process and timeline of reimbursement along with the admission schedule, so that parents and recognized schools continue to have faith in the system and do not face the same problems that occurred during 134-A admissions.
Dr. Kulbhushan Sharma urged the Education Minister to immediately direct the department to issue the RTE form in Hindi and release a Hindi-language video explaining the application process.