Chandigarh: Kulbhushan Sharma, president of the National Independent Schools Alliance (NISA), has called upon the Haryana government to immediately release long-pending reimbursement payments under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, the Chirag Scheme, and other government-sponsored education schemes.
Financial Strain on Private Schools
Addressing the media on Monday, Sharma stated that private schools across Haryana have been implementing various government 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 emphasized that private schools have been 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.
Demand for Increased Reimbursement Rate
Sharma further urged the government to provide reimbursement under the RTE Act at the rate of Rs 1,750 per student per month without further delay. He said timely payments would strengthen trust between private schools and the government while ensuring uninterrupted admissions for children from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
Allegations of Discrimination
Citing recognition and awards given by the education department to government school students and teachers for their outstanding performances in recent board examinations, Sharma alleged that students and teachers from private schools are being discriminated against. He said that thousands of meritorious students and dedicated teachers from private schools, who have achieved exceptional results at the state and national levels, are ignored despite their contributions to Haryana's educational achievements.
Sharma maintained that such discrimination contradicts 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 the government," he said.
Call for Equal Treatment
He urged the Chief Minister, the Education Minister, and the Education Department to ensure equal treatment and recognition for students and teachers from both government and private schools. Sharma said such a step would encourage excellence across the education sector and contribute to the vision of a developed India.
Legal Action Warning
Warning of possible legal action, Sharma stated that if the pending reimbursement amounts are not released by June 15, private schools and their representative organizations would be compelled to seek legal remedies through the courts. He added that responsibility for any such situation would lie with the Haryana government and the Education Department.
