Pune: Education Department Sets Firm Priorities for RTE Admissions in 2024-25 Academic Year

Pune, 4th April 2024: In a recent development by the Ministry of School Education, priorities for admissions under the Right to Education Act (RTE) have been firmly established. Set for the forthcoming academic year, students seeking admission under RTE will be prioritized for aided schools, government schools, and all local self-government schools within a one-kilometre radius from their residences. Only in the absence of these options can admission be sought in self-financed schools.

Underprivileged, socially and educationally disadvantaged students are the focal point for RTE admissions. Guidelines for the 2024-25 academic year’s admission process were disseminated through a circular by the Chairperson of Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Sharad Gosavi. Prospective RTE students must be over six years old by December 31st. Additionally, students previously admitted under RTE are ineligible for reapplication. The circular also emphasizes that false information in applications will result in cancellation of admission.

This year witnessed a notable alteration in RTE admission protocols. Priority for admission will adhere to a hierarchy: aided schools, government schools, local self-government schools, and then self-financed schools. Parents may select local bodies or government schools over-aided schools, according to preference. Admission to self-financed schools within a one-kilometre radius will be granted only if other options are unavailable. Exceptionally, if no suitable school is within one kilometre, priority admission extends to schools within a three-kilometre radius.

Eligible schools for RTE admissions encompass municipal schools, city council schools, and other specified institutions. It’s underscored that minority schools are exempt from RTE admissions.

A verification committee chaired by Education Officers will scrutinize student documents to ensure compliance. This committee must strategize timely verifications, considering previous admission data and revised notifications. Moreover, the establishment of grievance redressal and assistance centres at various administrative levels has been mandated.