IN A move favouring students and their families, the deadline for free admissions into private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act has been extended by the Rajya Shiksha Kendra (RSK). Parents whose children were selected in the first round of the online lottery can now secure their admission until April 25. The previous deadline was set for April 15, but the extension provides muchneeded relief to families who were unable to complete the process on time. Director of Rajya Shiksha Kendra, Harjinder Singh, stated that the decision was taken in the best interest of the students following numerous requests from parents. While the majority of students allotted seats through the April 2 lottery had already enrolled, several parents reported facing various hurdles in meeting the initial 15- day window. Recognising these challenges, the Department decided to grant an additional ten days to ensure that no child from a weaker or deprived section is left behind.

 

Instructions have been dispatched to all District Collectors and Project Coordinators of District Education Centers across the State. The RSK has emphasised that the online lottery, conducted under Section 12 (1) (C) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, must be implemented effectively to ensure seamless admission for eligible candidates into nonaided private schools. Strict action against non-compliant schools The RSK has also issued a stern warning to private institutions that refuse to admit students allotted to them via the official lottery. Singh has directed district officials to take immediate legal and administrative action if any parent files a complaint regarding a denial of admission. Block Resource Coordinators (BRCs) and District Project Coordinators (DPCs) have been tasked with intervening in such cases personally to ensure the child is enrolled without further delay. To maintain transparency and efficiency, district authorities will now conduct daily reviews of the admission process, ensuring that the extension directly benefits every eligible student awaiting enrollment.