Aadhaar Card Update: Admission to pre-nursery and Class 1 in private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act has become easier. A child’s Aadhaar card is no longer mandatory for the application. Parents can now apply online using only their own Aadhaar card.

Changes in Rules

The Basic Education Department has implemented new rules considering technical difficulties and problems faced during the application process. An order issued on September 8 last year had made Aadhaar cards mandatory for both the child and the parents. This made it difficult for children from poor and weaker sections to apply. Now, the child’s Aadhaar is not mandatory; only the Aadhaar number of either the mother or the father needs to be provided.

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New Document Requirements

Previously, creating an “Aadhaar ID” was mandatory for RTE applications, and schools did not receive fee reimbursement if this was not completed. This requirement has been removed in the new order. Additionally, the options for proof of residence have been expanded. Besides certificates issued by the Tehsildar, voter ID cards, ration cards, passports, driving licenses, and electricity and water bills will now also be accepted.

Fee Reimbursement Process

Schools will now enter student details on the RTE portal. After verification by the Basic Education Officer and Block Education Officer, schools will receive fee reimbursement. This process will prevent private schools from facing financial difficulties.

Seven-Member Committee to Monitor

A seven-member committee has been formed at the district level for the implementation and monitoring of RTE. Previously, this committee had 11 members. Now, it includes the District Magistrate (Chairperson), Chief Development Officer, Additional District Magistrate, District School Inspector, Basic Education Officer, Finance and Accounts Officer, and Block Education Officer. Other officers such as the Medical Officer and Social Welfare Officer, will no longer be part of the committee.

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Admissions and Seats

25 percent of seats in private schools across the state will be allocated under the RTE Act. Approximately 68,000 schools in the state have been mapped on the RTE portal, with approximately 1,80,000 seats available. Last year, more than 140,000 children were admitted under the RTE Act.

Age Limit

For admission to pre-nursery, children should be between 3 and 4 years old, for LKG between 4 and 5 years, for UKG between 5 and 6 years, and for Class 1 between 6 and 7 years old.

Online Application

Parents can use the www.rte25.upsdc.gov.in portal to apply. Due to the new rules and features, the application process is now simpler, faster, and hassle-free.