Breaking: Education Department Takes Strong Measures Against Private Schools: Bans Interviews and Screening for Admissions

Srinagar, Dec 23 (WD):

Education Department Takes Strong Measures Against Private Schools: Bans Interviews and Screening for Admissions

In a significant development, recognized private schools in Kashmir have been instructed by the School Education Department to eliminate admission interviews and screening processes. The department also issued a warning against imposing capitation fees and emphasized that private schools must refrain from demanding admission fees and other undisclosed charges.

The circular, issued by the Director of School Education Kashmir, expresses concern about certain private schools violating the Right to Education Act 2009. Charging capitation fees and subjecting students to screening tests are deemed direct violations of Section 13 of the act.

The circular clarified that capitation fees include any form of donation, admission fee, contribution, or payment other than the officially notified school fees. The move comes in response to numerous complaints from parents and civil society regarding illegal admission fees.

The department also highlighted deviations from the academic session start date, as per the NEP-2020, and reminded schools that admissions should commence in March, aligning with the national academic calendar.

Private schools in the Kashmir division are now urged to strictly adhere to these directives, avoiding capitation fees, undisclosed charges, screening procedures, or interviews during admissions. Non-compliance may lead to severe actions, including the cancellation of school registrations. Chief Education Officers have been appointed as nodal officers to ensure effective implementation of these instructions in their respective jurisdictions.

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