RTE Act to benefit 630 students in Kodagu dist

The department of public instruction, in view to help Schedule Caste, Schedule Tribe and other Backward Class children, has implemented the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

N A Ramaswamy, deputy director, said the Act would benefit as many as 630 students in the district. As per the Act, a total of 25 per cent of the total seats should be reserved for children from weaker section of society. Accordingly, a total of 630 students in 81 un-aided schools in three educational blocks would be benefited.

As per the Act, 7.5 per cent seats should be reserved for Scheduled Caste, 1.5 per cent of seats for Scheduled Tribe, and the remaining 16 per cent of seats for orphans, street children and wanderers belonging to backward class, physically disabled (40 per cent) and HIV infected children.

Accordingly, a total of 191 seats would be reserved for SCs, 36 for STs and the remaining 403 seats for other categories mentioned above. The fees for the said students would be paid by the government in two instalments. Applications for such seats under quota may be availed from schools concerned or the office of the block education officers.

Rama Murthy said the decision on category of children — whether orphan, wanderer or street children — will be decided based on the certificate issued by the women and child welfare department, education department and labour departments respectively. Similarly, admission to HIV infected children will be decided based on the certificate issued by health and family welfare department.

Unfilled seats of Schedule Caste can be given to Schedule Tribe students and the decision on other seats will be taken by the school heads concerned. Taluk education officer and headmasters will be responsible for allotting seats. However, the quota will not be applicable for minority schools.

For more details, people can contact the department of public instruction or call on toll free number 1800-425-11016.