SC orders binding rules to enforce 25% EWS quota across schools

UNDER THE RTE ACT, PVT UNAIDED SCHOOLS ARE REQUIRED TO FILL AT LEAST 25% SEATS WITH CHILDREN FROM EWS SECTIONS

- Utkarsh Anand

The Supreme Court ‘on Tuesday called the implementation of the 25% free seats quota for poor children in private unaided schools a “national mission” and directed governments to frame clear and enforceable rules under the Right to Education (RTE) Act to ensure that the mandate is actually followed on the ground.

A bench of justices PS Narasimhaand Atul S Chandurkar said that without proper rules, the promise of free and compulsory education under Article 21A of the Constitution risks remaining only on paper.