RTE first phase extended after pleas by parents

Bhopal: The State Education Centre on Friday extended the deadline from April 15 to April 25 for admissions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act's Section 12(1)(c), responding to parents' pleas for more time. TOI reported on Friday "40 schools record zero RTE admissions in 1st phase", highlighting poor admission condition of schools in Bhopal during the first phase in the city. Originally set to end on April 15, the window for students selected in the first-phase online lottery on April 2 to join non-aided private schools now runs until April 25. This benefits children from weaker sections and disadvantaged groups, ensuring they aren't left behind, officials said.State Education Centre director Harjinder Singh said the decision, emphasizing its roots in parental requests. "Following allocations, parents had options from April 3 to April 15 to complete admissions. While most succeeded, some faced unavoidable hurdles despite their eagerness," Singh said. "Prioritizing students' interests, we have extended the deadline to April 25."Letters have been dispatched to all district collectors and project coordinators, mandating strict enforcement. SMS notifications were sent to affected families during the initial period, said officials.Singh issued a stern warning to private schools: refusal of admission will invite swift action. "Block Resource Coordinators (BRCs) and District Project Coordinators (DPCs) must act immediately on complaints, ensuring the child gets admitted and penalizing non-compliant schools per rules," he directed.Districts have been ordered to conduct daily reviews, preventing any eligible child from missing out.