Does ambiguous RTE allow for interviews?

Unlike yesteryear, admissions are already over in many schools for KG level. As parents are in a mad rush to admit their wards into prominent schools, the schools cash in on the opportunity and flout norms on the admission procedure, no matter what the Right to Education (RTE) Act has to say.

The children who are just entering school have to undergo interviews in schools, despite the RTE Act instruction against it. Yet parents do not question the procedures fearing that their children might not be granted admission.

Moreover, there is a lack of awareness among parents on the RTE Act and so they do not raise their voice. Hence interviews are taken as the schools maintain that it would be inappropriate to admit a child without screening.

A principal of a well-established matriculation school here, on condition of anonymity, said, “We need to know whether a child can be educated or not. We just ask them to their parents’ name or fruits so that we identify the problems in the children, if any. This will help us teach children better.”

On the other hand, the private schools, with conflicting views, have already challenged many aspects of the Act in the apex court. “Specific guidelines on the RTE Act have been challenged by many, including our Association. We are awaiting the verdict. We do not know what the apex court has to say on the issues raised. Moreover, certain issues are not clear about the Act,” said R. Visalakshi, president of Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association, here on Sunday.

Many do not understand the RTE Act as it remains ambiguous. But many schools have already completed their admissions posing a difficulty for officials to ensure implementation of the Act.
Inspector of Matriculation Schools S. Gopidoss, said “We have convened a meeting next week with all school heads, where all these aspects will be discussed.”

Deccan Chronicle, 27 February 2012