‘Harder for our kids to get admission now’

Nirali Savla, 29, was planning to apply to four prominent schools for her daughter’s preschool admissions next year. Now, she will have to rethink her plans with the state demanding the reservation of seats in schools as stipulated in the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

Nirali Savla, 29, was planning to apply to four prominent schools for her daughter’s preschool admissions next year. Now, she will have to rethink her plans with the state demanding the reservation of seats in schools as stipulated in the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

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“I will have to approach at least five more schools, since the competition to enter a desired school will be high,” she said.

While most parents appreciated the government’s efforts to implement the Act, they suggested that schools must increase open category seats to fix the demand-supply gap arising from the quota.

“The number of seats in the open category will decrease. Weaker sections should be given some help, but general category applicants like us should not be deprived of seats,” said Kajal Teli whose child will start attending pre-school next month.

Raising concerns about individual attention in class, Shilpa Damle, whose child will attend Twin Mary School, Grant Road, said, “It is the school’s responsibility to ensure every student gets the required personal attention. I would not mind shelling out more if the money will be used for underprivileged students,” she said.

Parents also expressed concern over the social divide that could arise among students within the classroom. “There will be lifestyle differences and students from weaker groups could suffer an inferiority complex. I want my child to interact with all sections of society, but this could hinder the development of the weaker sections,” said Kalpaja Kamdar, a Juhu resident.