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Centre plans quota in KVs for children from poor families
NEW DELHI: The government wants to ensure more children from poor families get to study in Kendriya Vidyalayas, where affluent parents are increasingly trying to
NEW DELHI: The government wants to ensure more children from poor families get to study in Kendriya Vidyalayas, where affluent parents are increasingly trying to enroll their kids because of the mad rush at private schools each admission season.
Known popularly as KV, this Centre-funded institution runs a chain of schools across the country and provides affordable quality education.
The Union human resource development (HRD) ministry is deliberating over a proposal to introduce an income limit to restrict the creamy layer, or privileged sections of society, from occupying all the seats, sources said this week.
Under the special dispensation quota for parliamentarians in KVs, each member can refer 10 cases for admission in an academic year. These admissions are over and above the class strength.
Sources said the ministry has received a number of complaints that children from poor families face a tough time in getting admission.
“Of the 10 seats that each MP has, we are looking at setting aside a few seats, say three or four, for economically weaker sections. Only these seats will have an income limit and those who meet the criteria will be eligible. This will be reserved for them,” a source said.
For the rest of the seats under the MP quota, anyone will be eligible.
The issue was raised at a meeting, chaired by HRD minister Prakash Javadekar and attended by senior officials.
The ministry is working to create objective criteria for admission to KVs for greater transparency.
The MP quota was increased from six to 10 this academic year.
“There is a huge demand for KV schools and even those who can afford private schools prefer to send their kids to KVs. Often those who can’t afford private schools are left out. The government is looking into this and a scheme will be in place next year,” the source said.
The KVs have fared better than private schools in the class 12 final examination over the years. Across the country, more than 1.2 million students study in 1,100-odd KVs.
The ministry has asked the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, which runs these schools, to create a database of admissions — past, present and future.
