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Delhi

Govt warns pvt schools not to ask for Aadhaar number

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has warned all private schools in the national capital that they should not ask for the Aadhaar number of children while admitting them to entry-level classes under the economically weaker section (EWS) or the disadvantaged group (DG) categories. They have also been asked not to refuse admission to students on the grounds of distance range.
"Private unaided recognised schools are directed to ensure and facilitate the admission of selected candidates of EWS and DG categories in the respective class without creating any hindrance," the Directorate of Education (DoE) said in a letter to the schools.
"The schools should not ask for Aadhaar number of the children and income certificate from those EWS category parents who submit copy of BPL/Food Security Card issued by Food and Civil Supply Department," it said.
The education department has also warned schools against demanding any school fees and denying admission to students under the EWS/DG category either on grounds of distance range or on pretext of minor spelling errors. The schools have been asked to set up help desks for parents reporting for admission and deal with the parents sympathetically and politely.
"The department is going to constitute teams (district-wise) to conduct inspection of the private unaided recognised schools for ensuring the admission of EWS/DG category candidates in accordance with the instructions/directions issued," the DoE letter said. While those belonging to families with annual income of less than Rs 1 lakh can seek admission under the economically weaker section (EWS) category, the disadvantaged group (DG) category applicants include the SC, ST, OBC, non-creamy layer, physically challenged, orphan and transgender, and all children living with or affected by HIV.
A total of 25 per cent seats are supposed to be reserved in all schools for the two categories. The application process for the two categories began on January 22 and concluded on February 21. Earlier, the Delhi government had proposed to take over 449 private unaided recognised schools which have failed to refund excess fee charged by them despite the government order.
The government is planning to take over the management of the schools and will be issuing them show-cause notices as they have faltered in refunding excess fees charged from parents on the pretext of implementing the Sixth Pay Commission in 2008. The plan had been sent to the Lieutenant-Governor for approval. The decision was revealed in an affidavit filed by the Delhi government before the Delhi high court, which is hearing a bunch of petitions on the fee hike issue.

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