Missed by a whisker

It is a classic case of missed by a whisker. On October 21, the state government sent a circular asking all unaided schools to send details on how many children they have given admission in class I under 25 per cent quota during 2012-13 and 2013-14 so that the government could reimburse the admission fees to these educational institutes.

According to the circular, the institutes had to send in all the details by October 23. But most of the schools are not aware of this circular as it was issued when the institutes were shut for Diwali vacations. However, this is a cause for concern for the schools as they might not be entitled for the reimbursement.

Father Baptist Pinto, principal of St. Mary's School SSC board, Mazgaon, said, "I'm not aware of this circular as our school is closed for vacation. Once the school will start we will find out and send details to the education department."

Sabina Zaveri, principal of an aided school and convener of South Mumbai schools, said, "I know about the circular but did not get a chance to read due to the vacations. We will send the details when the school reopens. We had earlier sent some details when the government had sought information."

While the deputy director N B Chavan remained unavailable for comment, an education inspector on condition of anonymity, said, "Yes, the schools had been asked to send the details of how many students have been given admission under 25 per cent quota. But since it's vacation time the circular might have not reached everyone. So we will wait for the details till the schools reopen."u00a0