Chandigarh February 20 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a significant order directing all private unaided schools in Punjab to reserve 25% of seats for students from economically weaker sections.
The High Court clarified that the provisions of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, must be strictly followed, and the Punjab government must take necessary steps to ensure compliance with these orders from the academic session 2025-26. The court also stated that strict action would be taken if the order is not implemented. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for March 27.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Harmeet Singh Grewal issued an interim order stating that all schools falling under the RTE Act must reserve 25% of their total seats in Class 1 for children from economically weaker and disadvantaged sections. The petitioner argued that non-compliance with this rule is preventing children from weaker sections from gaining admission to private schools, which violates Article 21A of the Constitution and the RTE Act.
Reservation of Seats for Such Students is Mandatory
Under the RTE Act, it is mandatory to reserve seats for students from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups. However, Punjab government’s Rule 7(4) added a condition that such students must first attempt to secure admission in government or aided schools, and only if seats are unavailable there, they can apply for reserved seats in private schools.
Summary: The High Court has issued strict directives for Punjab schools ahead of new admissions, ensuring compliance with regulations and student welfare.