No clarity on EWS seats, parents made to run around

DoE site flashes vacancies, schools refuse to take in kids

Parents applying for their wards’ admission under the economically weaker section category are still running from pillar to post as the education department and schools are not providing them correct information.

Several parents have complained to the Directorate of Education that area education officers are not giving them admission forms, saying forms have been sent to the schools.

And when parents approached schools for forms, they were informed by the management that they have already admitted children as per their will and there are no vacancies. But the DoE website is still flashing vacant seats in private schools.

Gautam Srivastava of Amarjyoti Colony, Rohini sector 17, alleged that DoE officers and schools are trying to fool parents. “They are not giving us correct information and making us run around to avoid giving admission to our children,” he said.

Others alleged that they were not treated well and the education officer asked them to contact individual schools for detailed information. “If the website is stating that there are vacancies and even education officers have notices in their offices, how can we believe that schools have already closed admissions? Why did they not inform us about the dates for filling seats?” asked some parents.

In a recent affidavit given by the DoE to the High Court, the department has mentioned that they will be able to complete the admission process for EWS students by June 30.

“It is clear from the statutory provisions and directions given by the High Court that the DoE’s role is not limited to just advertising the number of vacant seats and collecting forms, which are being forwarded to schools. It is important to note here that the department was involved to streamline the process as schools were showing reluctance in giving admission to these students,” said advocate Khagesh Jha.

In the letter written to Amit Singhla, director of education, Jha has requested the department to give directions or inform parents about the number of forms and seats available.