Anxiety Among Parents As RTE Admission Process Faces Delays In Pune

Pune, 16th January 2024: Despite being halfway through January, the Right to Education (RTE) admission process in Pune has not commenced, causing anxiety and financial strain for thousands of parents eagerly awaiting the opportunity for their children. The delay has become an annual challenge, and parents are worried about potential financial losses as fees paid for admissions through RTE are often non-refundable.

Typically, parents seeking RTE admissions are required to enrol their children in the nearest schools, but the fees paid are not reimbursed by the concerned institutions. Advocacy groups and organizations are now urging the state government to initiate the RTE admission process promptly.

The Government of Maharashtra School Education and Sports Department has submitted a proposal to the government to commence the RTE admission process, but it is yet to receive approval. Normally, the RTE admission process begins in January, and the delay is causing uncertainty and frustration among parents.

Satish Patil, a parent representative, expressed his concerns, saying, “We are waiting for the RTE admission process for the upcoming academic year. I want admission to an RTE school near my home. The RTE admission schedule has not been officially announced this year, causing uncertainty among parents.”

The State government of Maharashtra has been deliberating on the implementation of a fixed schedule for RTE admissions, taking inspiration from the Karnataka model. The discussion also includes considerations for admitting students not only to English medium schools but also to schools with other mediums of instruction.

Education expert and social activist Anand Randhir emphasized, “The government should explore the possibility of increasing the number of schools registered for RTE admission.”

Mukund Kirdat, Coordinator of the AAP Parents Union, expressed frustration with the annual delay, stating, “The RTE admission process is delayed every year by the state government. Parents are forced to secure admission to other schools, and fees have to be paid. Unfortunately, these parents do not receive any fee refund under the RTE admission process if admitted to the school.”

In response to the concerns, Chairman of Maharashtra State Board Sharad Gosavi assured, “The administrative process is ongoing, and in the next few days, an official announcement will be made regarding the RTE admission process for the coming year.”