Half RTE slots yet to be filled in Noida, 25 private schools get notices

Noida: The education department has issued notices to 25 private schools for failing to admit students under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, directing their principals to appear before the district magistrate on May 7 with detailed admission reports.The action comes after repeated complaints from parents and poor compliance despite a three-phase admission process. Of the 4,330 students allotted seats in private schools across the district, only around 2,200 have secured admissions so far, reflecting barely over 50% compliance. Officials said that several schools have either delayed or refused admissions, prompting intervention at the district level.Basic education officer Rahul Panwar said the department has been receiving continuous complaints from parents whose children, despite being allotted seats, have not been admitted. “Notices have been issued to schools against which the highest number of complaints were received. Every school is mandated to admit students against the prescribed quota under the RTE Act. Failure to comply will invite strict action,” he said.“Among the schools facing repeated complaints are Delhi Public School (Gamma), Delhi Public School (Greater Noida West), Ramagya School and Billabong High International School, among others. At least 10 schools are there that did not take any single admission. The department has sought explanations from their management and asked them to present admission records before the district magistrate,” said a senior education official.Officials have warned that non-compliance could lead to stringent measures, including cancellation of school recognition. The administration has also set a deadline of May 20 for completing all pending admissions, after which schools will close for summer vacation. Officials noted that schools often show reluctance in granting RTE admissions after reopening in July, making timely compliance crucial.