Pvt schools wary of sting ops, ban mobile phones

 Fearing sting operations, some schools in the national capital have banned mobile phones on their premises this nursery-admission season.

Parents visiting these schools to buy application forms have been asked to deposit their cell phones at the entrance gate. Though the Directorate of Education’s rules state that one can carry mobile phones to a school for buying a form for admission to nursery classes.

When Deccan Herald went to VSPK International School in Rohini, Sector 13, the guard at the gate said, “Deposit your mobile phone here, it is not allowed inside the institution.” The guard added that the principal has given such instructions. “Madam has asked us not to allow cell phones and cameras inside the school as these days a lot of sting operations are taking place,” he said.

The principal declined to comment on the issue.

Parents were seen hassled at the entrance of the school. “I don’t know why are these people not allowing mobiles inside the schools. If they are fair in their dealings, what do they have to be afraid of?” asked Tanya Suresh, who has come to get an admission form for her three-year-old daughter.

Another parent, Akash Mehra, said, “We have to stand in queue not only at the application form counter but also at the entrance due to this illogical practice.”

Evasive replies

Some of the prominent schools were found dodging the matter. A staff at the reception of RS Junior Modern School on Humayun Road first said that mobile phones with camera are not allowed on the premises. Later, he added that one can get Economically Weaker Section (EWS) nursery admission forms at the entrance only.

“We are only giving EWS forms at the school. One can get it at the entrance and submit it there only,” said Sidhu.

On asked, if there’s a ban on taking the cell phones inside the school, he said, “If you switch off your mobile phone then who will know you have it?”

There are about a lakh seats in the nursery classes after the revised guidelines issued by the Lieutenant Governor. The new guidelines abolished 20 per cent management quota forcing the private schools to move court. The guidelines also state that children living within 8 km radius of a school will get 70 out of 100 points.