Nursery admissions: Handicapped by schools’ apathy

Five-year-old with 75 per cent physical disability has allegedly been denied admission by several institutions in Delhi

Nursery admissions: Handicapped by schools' apathy

Five-year-old with 75 per cent physical disability has allegedly been denied admission by several institutions in Delhi

While it lasted, the nursery admissions process in the city was a chaotic affair. Now that it's over, intriguing stories are emerging about those who made it and those who did not. Akshtiz Birmani, father of five-year-old Aditya Birmani, is still striving to have his son with 75 per cent physical disability admitted to Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, located in Lodhi Estate, New Delhi.

What next? Aditya Birmani at his residence at Mayur Vihar in east Delhi
on Wednesday. PIC/Imtiyaz Khan

Birmani claims he was denied admission forms for his son in most east Delhi schools on the grounds that the child is disabled. Later when he did get to apply to Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, he was told after the admission list was put out that Aditya could not be given a seat as they do not have any criteria to admit physically disabled children.

According to the RTE (Right to Education) Act, 2009, no school (government, private, aided) can deny admission to any student, falling in the jurisdiction of the state, on any grounds, physical handicap, SC/ST, OBC, EWS. Children in the physically disabled category are entitled to freeship (exemption of fee) in all schools of the country.

When Birmani went to check the admission list put up by the school on February 7, he could not find his son's name anywhere. He decided to take up the matter with the school authorities. There he was told that the school does not have any criteria for children with disabilities and that his form was not even considered.
"I just want to raise the question that who is responsible for the injustice with my son. When I submitted the admission form as per the rule and notification mentioned, why have they not considered my son's admission form?" asked Akshitz Birmani, self-employed and resident of Mayur Vihar, Phase II, in east Delhi.u00a0

"The school manager told me that I should admit my son to a school for handicapped children instead," added Birmani. Birmani has found support. "This is a complete blunder. No school can deny a disabled child his right to education. The matter should be taken seriously by the government authorities," said Ashok Aggarwal, lawyer and president, All India Parents' Association.

The Other Side
When MiD DAY spoke to the Principal of Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Anuradha Joshi, she completely denied any such issue. "It cannot be true. The school has followed the government criteria strictly. If someone says something in anger we are not responsible for it. We have an open door policy and people can take an appointment and meet me," said Joshi.

It's happened before
As reported on January 18, 2011, five unaided private schools of East Delhi refused to provide application forms for admission to nursery class to a physically challenged kid. Left with no option, the father typed his own application form and mailed it via speed post and lodged written complaints with the Chief Minister, Education Minister and Directorate of Education (DoE).

Promise of action
Amod Kanth, Chairman, Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) said the commission would take note of the matter. "If this is the case, it is a grave error on part of the school. It is a straight denial of the right to education as well," he said.