24 Gurgaon private schools stare at derecognition

The schools were found not admitting EWS category students.

Twenty-four private schools in Gurgaon are staring at cancellation of recognition after they were found not admitting children belonging to economically weaker section (EWS) complying with Rule 134A under Haryana School Education Rules, 2003.

Schools said the rule is being misused by well-off families to admit children in reputed institutes under the EWS quota. (HT Photo)

The names of schools were recommended to the Directorate of School Education last week for necessary action.

The schools, however, said the rule is being misused by well-off families to admit children in reputed institutes under the EWS quota.

“A number of warnings and letters were sent to the private schools directing them to comply with the rules laid down by the government. While most schools went forward with the admissions of the students under EWS, some chose to ignore the warnings. Their names have been recommended to the head office for derecognition,” said Vinay Pratap Singh, additional deputy commissioner (ADC), Gurgaon.

Under Rule 134A, private schools have to reserve 10% seats for children belonging to EWS families. However, as is the case every year, admissions which were supposed to be completed by June-end are still going on.

“The administration gave an ample amount of opportunity to the schools for complying with the rules. The schools were even asked to first admit the children and then continue with the family verification process. Most of our students have been admitted to schools and are studying with other children, but some institutes were not ready to listen to us. The action was necessary,” said Ram Kumar Phalswal, district elementary education officer (DEEO), Gurgaon.

The schools claimed that they cannot admit the children unless the verification process is complete. The schools also claimed that the rule is being misused by people to get their children a seat in reputed institutes. They said several parents have been approaching them without proper certificates. Also, a few parents were caught with fake BPL (below poverty line) cards during the verification process.

“There have been cases in the previous year as well, where people from rich families have tried to admit children under EWS category. This year, the responsibility of verifying the background of children has been given to the school and we need time to do that. Parents come with revenue certificates instead of BPL cards and expect us to admit children,” said Colonel (rtd) Pratap Singh, president, Haryana Progressive School Alliance.

The HPSA official said schools will approach the court against the Rule 134A, if required, seeking to scrap it.