CBSE, ICSE schools to stay away from Haryana strike

Private schools in the city affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) have decided against participating in the three-day strike by schools across Haryana, starting Monday.

Private schools in the city affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) have decided against participating in the three-day strike by schools across Haryana, starting Monday. Opposing the implementation of Rule 134A under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, the Private School Association of Haryana with 15,000 members schools had recently announced the statewide lockdown.

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Implemented two years ago, Rule 134A makes it mandatory for privately-run schools affiliated with CBSE, ICSE and Haryana Education Board to admit students from families of the economically weaker sections (EWS) or below poverty line (BPL), numbering 25% of their total student strength.

About 100 private schools affiliated with the CBSE and ICSE in Gurgaon would continue to function as usual. However, about 250 schools affiliated with the Haryana Education Board are likely to participate.

Colonel (retired) Pratap Singh, president, Haryana Progressive School Conference (HPSC) that represents CBSE schools in the state, said, "We have decided that CBSE-affiliated schools in Gurgaon and Faridabad will not participate in the strike as the matter is still subjudice. Our lawyers have advised us to abstain from the strike. However, we still believe that Rule 134A is a bad law. We support our striking colleagues as their demands are genuine and the Act has to be repealed sooner or later. It is unjust to the remaining 75% students as they will bear the additional fee burden."