The state education department has come out with a new schedule for the implementation of Right to Education Act in Pune. The decision was taken during a series of meetings held last week between education department officials and principals of schools in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
"Schools have been asked to receive applications till June 5. The applications will be scrutinised till June 10 and the results will be declared on June 11. The schools have been directed to inform the parents of the selected children by sending them SMSes. The schools will also write to parents of students not selected as to why they were denied admission," said Suman Shinde, Deputy Director of Education, Pune Division.
"If the number of applications received is more than the seats in a school, lottery system will be adopted to select candidates. This will be done in presence of an education officer from the area," added Shinde.
ZP education officer (primary) D Kurhade said the meetings were held at Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune city, Pune rural and cantonment area from May 21 to May 24.
"The principals were asked to ensure the reserved 25 per cent seats for EWS students are filled before the start of the academic session. Schools have also been directed to publicise 25 per cent reservation policy in their respective areas so that more and more students can benefit from it," added Kurhade.
Shinde said even if the schools do not manage to fill the reserved seats, they will not be allowed to fill these seats with general category students.
"This has been done to ensure transparency in the procedure. The schools will not block the reserved seats and will try to admit EWS students," added Shinde.