Schools told to upload RTE info by Dec 31

Ironically, most of the violators (schools) are situated in areas either surrounded by middle class localities or slum areas. "Certainly, it's a serious issue. The department is looking into all possibilities to provide remedies and to take punitive action against them," said Sharma. The Act does allow them to serve notices, he added but it will be of no use as the session has crossed midway.

The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) expressed shock over how 40% of the schools grossly violated RTE Act-2009. "The commission will look into the matter," said SCPCR member Vishamber. The department has refused to divulge the names of any school till they submit the final report.

Many violator schools claimed that they were not against admitting EWS students as the government reimbursement was higher than their own annual fees. "The government is expected to give around Rs 8,000 per child annually, which is more than the annual fees charged by many schools," reads one reply sent by a school.

To nail these violators, the education department has directed all schools to upload RTE information - number of seats and date of admission on their website by December 31. The circular reads: "Schools should compulsory publish material relating to RTE to help create awareness on this Act. They should also set up helpline kiosks during admissions to render all possible help to the beneficiaries."