TV
Parents in Odisha have voiced significant concerns over delays in the admission of economically disadvantaged students in private schools. The registration process on the official Paradarshi portal has reportedly been extended, causing unrest among families eager for timely school admissions.
Initially slated for January 22, to February 10, the registration period has now reportedly been stretched to March 31, allowing private institutions an additional 50 days. Meanwhile, students are required to submit applications from April 3-20, a shift from the previously set dates of March 1-20.
Concerns over Delayed Admissions
The delay is feared to postulate a commencement of admissions as late as the end of June, compelling students under the 25% Right to Education (RTE) Act quota to seek alternatives whilst waiting for confirmation. Parents decry the extension, perceiving it as skewed in favour of private schools, and allege possible collusion with the state Education Department.
"We came to know that the admission process will linger till the end of May. Is it possible for us to wait so long for the admission of our children? As we can't afford to admit our children in private schools with such a large amount of donation, we will be forced to admit them in government schools," rued Muktimayee Pradhan, a guardian.
"We are facing lots of problems due to the delay in the admission process. There must be some nexus between the private schools and government as they seem to be tormenting us deliberately," rued Sanjay Singh, another guardian.
The RTE stipulates that registered private schools reserve a quarter of their seats for economically underprivileged pupils, providing them free textbooks, uniforms, and footwear. Typically completed by March's end, this year's postponed process has unsettled the guardians. Odisha Parents' Association has written a letter to the Chief Minister seeking his intervention in this matter.
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"The admission process is being delayed in a deliberate manner so that no students will be left to get admission in private schools under the RTE Act. The private schools and the authorities of the Mass Education Department have a nexus between them over the matter," said Prasanna Bisoi, Working President of Odisha Parents' Association.
However, the authorities of the Mass Education Department refuted the allegations.
"There is no delay in the admission process. It's a departmental procedure," said Dharanidhara Patra, Additional District Education Officer, Balasore.
Call for Government Action
In response, the Odisha Parents Association has informed the matter to the Chief Secretary previously but found no resolution, leading them to appeal to the National Human Rights Commission.
"There is provision under the RTE Act that 25 per cent seats will be reserved for the economically disadvantaged students in the private schools, however, it is not being implemented. Hence, we have moved the NHRC," said Kalpana Sahu,
Convener of Odisha Parents' Association.
The pressing question remains on why the Education Department allowed a substantial 70-day registration window when documentation for all registered institutions is already in place? A government response to this query is awaited.
