Now, private schools can’t deny EWS students admission

New Delhi: Private schools will now have to give admission to all the children included in the list issued for EWS (Economically Weaker Section) admission after the draw of lots by the Directorate of Education. Strict action will be taken against the schools that do not do so. A recent High Court order in this regard will provide relief to thousands of poor families, as private schools will no longer be able to deny admission to the children under EWS category as per their will.

At present, under the Right to Education Act, there is a provision for students from socially and economically backward classes to 25% of total seats available in recognized private schools. 

Every year before the session begins, private schools inform the Directorate about the number of entry grade seats on the basis of which 25% seats are allocated for admission to children of EWS/DG category.

After this, the Directorate of Education invites online applications, selects children for EWS admissions in a transparent manner through a randomised draw of lots and allots schools to them.

As per media reports, over the last few years, the Directorate of Education received several complaints about private schools refusing to give admission to the children allotted to them. In this regard, private schools were arguing that they are not giving admission to EWS category children due to non-fulfillment of admissions in general seats.
 
It was observed that many private schools were allegedly giving admission to 1 student of EWS category only after getting admission in 3 seats under the general category, due to which many children selected in the draw were eventually denied admission. 
 
After this issue was taken to the court, the Delhi High Court deliberated on the arguments of both the parties and reached a decision on Friday that private schools will no longer be able to deny admission to the children selected in the draw and will have to provide EWS admissions on 25% of the total seats available, as declared by the school. Legal action will be taken against the schools refusing admission.
 
The court also said that under certain special circumstances, if the school believes that the general seats available with them will not be occupied even after all possible efforts, then approval will have to be taken from the Directorate of School Education for relief under EWS quota admissions prior to allocation. 
 
Private schools will not be able to refuse admission to any students under EWS category selected in the draw. Once the seats are allotted by the Directorate of Education after the draw, the school will not be able to deny admission to the child on that allotted seat.