Karnataka Government to Examine RTE Quota Implementation After Supreme Court Directive
In response to the recent Supreme Court order emphasizing the implementation of the 25% quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, the Karnataka government has announced it will conduct a thorough study of the issue. This examination aims to determine whether existing rules require amendments to align with the judicial directive.
Government's Stance on Financial Implications
Senior officials within the state administration have highlighted that the matter necessitates detailed discussion with the chief minister, primarily due to the significant financial implications involved. The government's reimbursement to private schools for admitting EWS students under this quota represents a substantial budgetary consideration that must be carefully evaluated.
Understanding the RTE Quota Mandate
Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act mandates that private unaided non-minority schools allocate 25% of their seats to students from underprivileged backgrounds. In this framework, state governments are responsible for reimbursing these schools for the costs incurred in educating these students, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to quality education.
Karnataka's Previous Amendment and Its Impact
Karnataka had previously amended its RTE implementation rules, introducing a condition that parents could only apply for the quota in private unaided schools if no neighbourhood government schools were available. This amendment led to a dramatic reduction in the number of students benefiting from the RTE quota, from approximately 1.2 lakh in 2012 to just 3,412 in 2024.
Supreme Court's Recent Directions
On January 13, the Supreme Court issued a series of directions urging all states to effectively implement the 25% EWS quota in private schools. This judicial intervention has prompted the Karnataka government to reassess its current policies and consider necessary adjustments to comply with the court's mandate.
The state's review process will focus on balancing the educational rights of EWS students with the practical financial challenges of implementation, ensuring that the spirit of the RTE Act is upheld while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
