AI Generated Summary
- In a move aimed at ensuring fair access to education, the Punjab School Education Department has decided to re-examine applications that were earlier rejected under the Right to Education (RTE) Act for the 2026–27 academic session.
- The department has constituted a special state-level panel to hear appeals from parents and guardians whose applications for admission under the 25 per cent reserved category in private schools were declared ineligible during the initial scrutiny process.
- The review proceedings will take place at the office of the Director, School Education (Elementary), located on the sixth floor of Vidya Bhawan in Phase 8, Mohali.
In a move aimed at ensuring fair access to education, the Punjab School Education Department has decided to re-examine applications that were earlier rejected under the Right to Education (RTE) Act for the 2026–27 academic session.
The department has constituted a special state-level panel to hear appeals from parents and guardians whose applications for admission under the 25 per cent reserved category in private schools were declared ineligible during the initial scrutiny process.
According to officials, the rejected applications pertain to admissions in recognised unaided private schools under provisions of Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, which guarantees seats for children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), disadvantaged communities and backward classes.
A public notice issued by the department stated that the earlier verification had been carried out by District Education Officers (Elementary) in line with existing government guidelines. However, the authorities have now decided to offer applicants another opportunity to present supporting documents and clarify discrepancies in keeping with principles of transparency and natural justice.
Parents and guardians of affected students have been asked to appear before the committee from May 19 to May 21 during office hours. They must carry all original documents related to their applications for verification.
The review proceedings will take place at the office of the Director, School Education (Elementary), located on the sixth floor of Vidya Bhawan in Phase 8, Mohali.
Officials said the initiative is intended to prevent genuine beneficiaries from being denied admission due to procedural or documentation issues and to ensure that the admission process is completed within the stipulated timeframe.
The department has also made it clear that no additional dates or extensions will be provided after the scheduled hearings. Decisions taken by the committee following the review process will be treated as final.
