Parents demand review of minority-status schools, allege norm violations

Parents urged that schools failing to meet minority norms should not be exempt from RTE admissions. Representation pic/istock

Shortly after seeking a list of unauthorised schools, parent groups have now demanded a review of institutions granted minority status. In a letter to the deputy director of education, activists questioned whether such schools are meeting norms, including whether they are admitting the mandated number of minority language students.

The rule requiring at least 51 per cent members from the relevant minority community has come under scrutiny. Activists allege widespread non-compliance. "Of 1738 schools, 950 have minority status. Over the last three years, only 10-15 per cent of students from the community concerned have been studying in several such schools. This is far below the norm," said Rohit Dandwate of the Global Teachers' Parents' Association.

Fresh demands

Parents have asked the department to investigate and respond within 15 days, adding that schools failing to meet minority norms should not be exempt from reserving 25 per cent seats under the Right to Education Act for economically weaker and disadvantaged students before the academic year 2026-27. They also sought action against directors who misled authorities to obtain concessions, enforcing 25 per cent RTE admissions in ineligible schools, and setting up a special inspection panel to verify compliance.

15
No of days given to the education department to respond