Odisha Child Rights Body Directs Strict Compliance Of EWS Reservation In Pvt Schools
The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) on Wednesday suggested several measures for stricter implementation of the policies on reservation for economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups in private schools in the State.
Responding to a letter from the Director, Elementary Education, the OSCPCR said it should be responsibility of the duty bearers to identify eligible children from EWS category and mobilize them towards schools to the benefits of the reservation as parents and children of socially and economically disadvantage community are not acquainted with online system. Many of them are first generation learners.
In this regard, the OSCPCR has suggested several guidelines for smooth dissemination of information to different stakeholders to support parents of children belonging to economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups to register online on RTE Paradasrshi portal.
Notably, the government has mandated reservation of 25 percent seats for EWS category students in private schools. But a plethora of allegations often come to fore in suggesting that due to prevalent unfamiliarity of people, private schools mostly disregard the policy and deprive eligible candidates from availing their due educational rights.
Taking cognizance of such situation, the OSCPR has directed to ensure that private schools must under all circumstances keep the specified quota of seats to be available at all time for fill up by students from EWS and disadvantaged groups. The private schools have been warned of action in case of violation of the guidelines.