Parents' associations apprehensive of new admission guidelines in Delhi

Just a few hours left for 2011. And if your child is eligible, do remember that nursery admissions begin in Delhi schools tomorrow.


Parents and Guardians Queue up for the Nursery Admission Forms at
St. Michael's Schoolu00a0 in New Delhi. file Pic

The city government has basically left it to the institutions to decide their own criteria as long as norms of Right to Education (RTE) are adhered to. But parents' associations remain circumspect. There is a real possibility that schools might hike fees to accommodate the costs incurred by reserving 25 per cent seats for children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).u00a0

"We will certainly protest in front of every school building, if the schools hike fee in any form. It is against RTE. We condemn the actions of various schools in harassing and persecuting parents by adopting various illegal methods," said Ashok Aggarwal, President, All India Parents Association (AIPA).

School federations have hinted a fee hike, either of transport or extra-curricular activities. The burden would of course fall on those who are in the unreserved category.

"It is just not done; we will not let it happen. Also, we will install small camps near the schools to help parents through the admission procedure," said Aggarwal.u00a0u00a0u00a0