Private schools demand release of pending dues, equal recognition

Chandigarh: Kulbhushan Sharma, the president of the National Independent Schools Alliance (NISA), has called upon the Haryana govt to immediately release long-pending reimbursement payments under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, the Chirag Scheme, and other govt-sponsored education schemes.Addressing the mediapersons on Monday, Sharma said that private schools across Haryana had been implementing various govt welfare initiatives by providing free admissions, quality education, and essential facilities to lakhs of students. Despite fulfilling their obligations, schools have not received reimbursement payments for several years, causing significant financial strain on the institutions.Sharma said that private schools were bearing the costs of teachers' salaries, staff wages, EPF and ESI contributions, building maintenance, transportation, electricity, water, and other operational expenses from their own resources. He demanded the release of all pending payments from the 2014-15 academic session, along with applicable interest.He further urged the govt to provide reimbursement under the RTE Act at the rate of Rs 1,750 per student per month without further delay. Sharma said timely payments would strengthen trust between private schools and govt while ensuring uninterrupted admissions for children from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).Citing recognition and awards given by the education department to govt school students and teachers for their outstanding performances in the recent board examinations, Sharma alleged that students and teachers from private schools were being discriminated against.Sharma said that thousands of meritorious students and dedicated teachers from private schools, who had achieved exceptional results at the state and national levels, were ignored despite their contributions to Haryana's educational achievements.He maintained that such discrimination contradicted the constitutional principle of equality. "Students studying in private schools are equal citizens of the state and deserve the same recognition, opportunities, encouragement, and respect from govt," said Sharma.He urged the chief minister, the education minister, and the education department to ensure equal treatment and recognition for students and teachers from both govt and private schools. Sharma said such a step would encourage excellence across the education sector and contribute to the vision of a developed India.Warning of possible legal action, Sharma stated that if the pending reimbursement amounts were not released by June 15, private schools and their representative organisations would be compelled to seek legal remedies through the courts.He added that responsibility for any such situation would lie with the Haryana govt and the education department.MSID:: 131442196 413 |