Despite the mandate for private schools to reserve 25% of their seats for students from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), disadvantaged groups, and children with special needs (CWSN), families continue to struggle with the realities of securing these seats. A recent Supreme Court judgment upheld the Bombay High Court’s decision to invalidate a Maharashtra government notification that sought to exempt certain private schools from admitting EWS students, reigniting discussions on the barriers these families face.
Persistent Challenges for Parents
For many parents, securing admissions for their children under the EWS quota is an arduous process filled with obstacles, including bureaucratic red tape, excessive documentation, and even hostility from school staff. Aneesh Malik, a Delhi resident, has faced months of frustration trying to get his son admitted to a nursery school under the EWS quota. Despite his son’s name being selected in the lottery, repeated demands for new income certificates have stalled the process, with the school ultimately refusing admission.
Poonam Rani, another Delhi resident, has also encountered difficulties. Her son, already admitted under the EWS quota, struggles to obtain the textbooks and uniforms that should be provided free of charge. Instead, the school demands payment, which she cannot afford. “If we could afford these expenses, we wouldn’t need the EWS quota,” Rani lamented.
Schools and Compliance
Sudha Acharya, Principal of ITL Public School and Chairperson of the National Progressive Schools Conference, stressed that private schools are obligated to adhere to the 25% EWS quota under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. She emphasized that no school in Delhi or elsewhere in India can legally deny admission to eligible students under this quota. “Schools are required to provide a level playing field for all students, irrespective of their backgrounds, and must offer extra classes to help first-generation learners,” Acharya said.
Subhash Jain, President of the Independent Schools Federation of India (Ghaziabad chapter) and Chairman of Silverline Prestige School, echoed this sentiment, noting that most private schools in Uttar Pradesh comply with the EWS quota. However, disputes can arise when the number of EWS admissions exceeds the 25% limit or when government-assigned students seek admission in already full classes. Jain warned that non-compliant schools risk losing their Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) affiliation.
Attempts to Restrict EWS Quota
Ekramul Haque, founder of the Delhi-based NGO Mission Taaleem, has been at the forefront of advocating for EWS students’ rights. He criticized attempts by private schools, particularly in Maharashtra, to circumvent the EWS quota. “These schools tried to exempt those within a 1 km radius of government schools from the EWS quota, effectively pushing underprivileged children out,” Haque said. Similar efforts in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have also threatened to restrict EWS admissions, though public protests have occasionally led to reversals of these policies.
The Need for Stronger Enforcement
Haque underscored the importance of robust enforcement and support mechanisms to ensure the EWS quota is effectively implemented. In Delhi, while the situation is relatively better than in other states, issues persist. “We receive numerous complaints about the non-issuance of uniforms and textbooks to EWS students,” Haque noted. His NGO has filed over 300 complaints with the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) and the Education Department, helping over 20,000 students secure admissions under the EWS quota in the past decade.
Conclusion
The ongoing struggles faced by families seeking EWS admissions highlight the need for a concerted effort from government authorities, private schools, and advocacy groups. Without such cooperation, the promise of equal educational opportunities for all remains unfulfilled, leaving many underprivileged children at a disadvantage.
