Private Schools in Pune Await Overdue Fee Reimbursement under RTE Act
Pune, 12th December 2023: The reimbursement of fees for students enrolled in private schools under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 has become a matter of concern in Maharashtra.
Despite the Maharashtra State Government’s commitment to reimbursing fees to private schools, concerns have been raised by these institutions, citing overdue payments. The issue was brought to light during the winter session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, where MLAs sought clarification from School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar.
In response to the concerns raised by private schools, Minister Kesarkar revealed that an association of private schools has filed a petition in the High Court regarding the non-reimbursement of fees for students admitted under the RTE Act. The pending amount, totalling Rs. 6 crore 47 lakh 17 thousand 858, is for the academic years 2013-14 to 2019-20. Of this sum, Rs. 5 crore 77 lakh 26 thousand 944 has already been disbursed, leaving a balance of Rs. 69 lakh 90 thousand 914, which is in the process of distribution.
The government has allocated and distributed funds for this purpose, with a total of Rs. 904.26 crore distributed thus far. In the budget for the fiscal year 2023-24, a provision of Rs. 200 crore has been made for RTE fee reimbursements. Of this allocation, Rs. 76.75 crore has already been distributed to the concerned private schools. Minister Kesarkar assured that efforts are underway to disburse the remaining funds promptly.
