Private Schools in Uttar Pradesh Demand Release of Pending RTE Fee Reimbursements
The Association of Private Schools in Uttar Pradesh has made a strong appeal to the state government. They want the government to release pending fee reimbursements under the Right to Education Act of 2009. This urgent call came during a press conference held on Monday in Lucknow.
Financial Distress and School Closures
Atul Srivastava, the president of the association, spoke openly about the severe financial problems facing private unaided schools. He explained that many schools are now struggling with debt. Some institutions are even on the verge of shutting down completely. The non-payment of these dues has created a critical situation for school administrators across the state.
Outdated Reimbursement Rates
Srivastava pointed out a major issue with the current payment system. The government has been paying only 450 rupees per student since the 2013-14 academic year. This amount has not been revised for over a decade. He emphasized that schools simply cannot survive on this outdated reimbursement rate. The financial strain is becoming unbearable for many private educational institutions.
Legal Requirements and State Comparisons
The association president highlighted specific legal obligations under the RTE Act. Section 12(2) of the act requires the government to publish per-student expenditure figures. This requirement has not been fulfilled by the Uttar Pradesh government. Srivastava also made comparisons with other Indian states. He noted that states like Delhi and Tamil Nadu regularly update their payment amounts based on actual educational costs. This contrast makes the situation in Uttar Pradesh even more concerning for private school operators.
Call for Immediate Action
The association's demand is clear and straightforward. They want the state government to take immediate action on several fronts:
- Release all pending fee reimbursements without further delay
- Revise the per-student payment amount to reflect current educational costs
- Publish the required per-student expenditure data as mandated by law
- Bring Uttar Pradesh's reimbursement system in line with other progressive states
Private schools play a crucial role in Uttar Pradesh's education landscape. Their financial stability directly affects thousands of students and teachers across the state. The association's warning about potential school closures underscores the urgency of this matter. Educational authorities now face mounting pressure to address these legitimate concerns and ensure the continued operation of private schools under the RTE framework.
