DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda said that all private recognised schools in the state must follow the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education, Right to Education (RTE) Act this year. All schools are now required to accept student applications only through the newly launched 'Ujwal Portal,' developed by the School Education Department to ensure transparency in the admission process.

Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said that in compliance with the RTE Act 2009, all private recognized schools will have to reserve 25 percent seats for class 1st/pre-primary classes for children from disadvantaged and economically weaker sections under the said Act.

He said that all schools have been informed to accurately declare the number of seats available in class 1st/pre-primary classes in their schools. Whether the school had previously shown the 25 percent seat declaration information or not, they must now accept applications through the 'Ujwal Portal'. Parents can apply online for schools within a 1-kilometer radius of their residence.

If a recognised private school receives online admission forms for more than 25 percent seats, a draw will be conducted in the presence of the district level committee/parents. Schools are also required to follow all updated rules under the Right to Free and Compulsory

Education Act, 2009.

(editor@dailyworld.in)