In a significant move to support students from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) admitted under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, the Karnataka government has issued a directive to schools to extend the quota benefits up to class 10. This decision brings relief to many families who were uncertain about the continuity of their children's education under the RTE scheme after class 8.
Background of the Decision
The announcement follows a declaration by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the state budget on March 6. The directive specifically applies to SC/ST students who were studying in class 8 during the 2025-26 academic year under the RTE quota. These students will now be permitted to continue their education in classes 9 and 10 in the same schools under the RTE Act.
Implementation Instructions
The Department of School Education has communicated the order to all district deputy directors (administration), instructing them to ensure that school heads implement the directive without any delay. Officials are required to promote eligible students to class 9 during the 2026-27 academic year and continue the benefit into class 10 the following year.
Fee Refund and Continuation Provisions
The government has also clarified that if parents had already paid fees for class 9 admissions in the same school, the amount must be refunded. Furthermore, the order states that even in cases where transfer certificates have already been issued to SC/ST students, they should be allowed to continue in the same institution provided the school has classes 9 and 10 and the parents are willing to retain their children there.
This extension ensures that students from disadvantaged communities do not face disruption in their education and can complete their secondary schooling without financial burden. The move aligns with the RTE Act's objective of providing free and compulsory education to all children up to class 8, now effectively extended through class 10 for these students.
