DPI to act tough against schools flouting admission rules

The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has decided to take a tough stand against private schools violating admission rules. It has issued a fresh set of dates during which admission to 75 per cent of their seats not covered under the RTE Act should be completed. It has also asked schools to regulate their fees according to certain indicators set by it.

In a circular issued recently, DPI has directed private schools to begin admissions to kindergarten, primary and high schools on March 1 and end them on April 21.

According to the schedule, the number of seats available will have to be furnished on March 1, applications forms will have to be issued from March 20 to March 31. On April 4, the list of selected candidates will be published along with those rejected and the reasons for rejection.

 April 7 is the last date for filing objections. Schools will announce the first list of selected candidates on April 8 and admissions of those chosen will have to be made by April 15. The second list should be out by April 16.

School fees

On the increasing number of schools charging exorbitant fees without giving any reason, the DPI has directed such institutions to fix the tuition fee on the basis of a formula (total salary paid to teachers + 30 per cent of the total salary/ the total number of students) that has been devised by the department. Further, school can also charge a special development fee of Rs 600 and Rs 38 for non-tuition fee for Classes 6 to 8, and Rs 185 for Classes 9 and 10, the circular says.