Now, children seeking admission in private schools under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act quota will get the seat only if there are no government schools in their neighbourhood. The State Cabinet on Wednesday granted permission to amend certain rules related to admission procedures under the RTE Act which will now give priority to government schools over the private ones in admissions.
The RTE Act provides for reservation of 25% of seats for students of weaker sections and disadvantaged communities in private schools. But the State Cabinet on Tuesday decided to amend the rules to add a rider that such children would get admission under the RTE Act in private schools only if there are no government schools in their neighbourhood.
Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said the preference being given to private schools under the RTE Act had resulted in fewer enrolments in government schools.
Stressing the need for giving importance to government schools, he said the original spirit of the Act was to provide admission in private schools in areas where there were no government schools.
The government would notify private schools for admission under the Act in the areas where there are no government schools, he said.
