Crackdown on 450+ CBSE schools falsifying RTE data

Bhopal: The School Education Department is launching a statewide crackdown on more than 450 CBSE schools, including 20 in the capital, for allegedly falsifying Right to Education (RTE) seat data to sidestep admitting underprivileged children ahead of the 2026 admissions cycle.The department has decided to demand verification certificates from the schools and vowed strict action against any confirmed violations. Under the RTE Act, private schools must reserve 25 percent of Class 1 seats for students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Economically Weaker Sections, with the govt covering their fees.Statewide, roughly 1,00,000 such seats exist across the state. Yet several CBSE institutions have underreported them on the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+), limiting access for disadvantaged children. "This is outright deception — we had the evidence for years, and now we're closing the loophole," a senior official said.A new list targets 444 schools for investigation, directing District Programme Coordinators and Block Resource Coordinators to verify Class 1 enrollments against actual figures. The directive insists: "Ensure real student numbers are logged in UDISE+ and certify compliance."Data reveals a clear pattern — few RTE seats in early grades, ballooning in higher classes — despite records at the State Education Centre. "Poor families get cheated every year while schools fool the system," said retired faculty Radheyshyam.One CBSE principal, speaking without being quoted by name, responded: "Our figures are accurate, reflecting genuine enrollment. We welcome audits as RTE rules evolve." Critics say this undermines RTE's goal of integrating marginalised children into top CBSE schools.With accurate UDISE+ reporting now mandatory, the department will enforce the rules, and penalties await violators. Parents in Bhopal cheered the move: "Finally, our kids get a fair shot at quality education."UDISE+ could prove pivotal in 2026, exposing resistance from elite fee-charging schools or delivering real change. When contacted, DEO Bhopal N K Ahirwar said, "This is a serious issue. Strict action will be taken against violators."