EWS admission in Delhi private schools: Aadhaar mandatory, distance norms relaxed
India Today
The DoE has relaxed the distance norms and made Aadhaar cards mandatory for the admission of EWS, DG and CWSN category students in Delhi private schools.
Aadhaar has been made mabdatory in economically weaker section (EWS) admissions in Delhi private schools. The order from the Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) is also applicable for the admission of children with special needs (CWSN) and disadvantaged groups (DG) from the next academic session 2023-24.
Moreover, applicants from these three categories would now also be able to select institutions within a 3 km radius from their residence as their first preference instead of the earlier one kilometre.
As per the RTE Act 2009, all private unaided recognised schools (except the minorities schools) have to mandatorily admit EWS, DG and CWSN candidates to the extent of at least 25 percent of the strength in entry-level classes and provide fee and compulsory elementary education.
The official statement from the DoE reads: “After due deliberations, it has been decided by the Competent Authority of GNCTD that the Aadhaar Card is must to achieve the legitimate goal i.e. to ensure the fair, transparent, uniform and hassle-free admission process.”
It further added: “The entire aim behind mandating the Aadhar card for admission process is in the interest of the deserving eligible applicants entitled to avail the benefits of Free and Compulsory Education under Section 12 (1) (c) of RTE Act, 2009 and to curb the malpractices adopted by several applicants by filling multiple application to increase their chances unfairly for selection.”
The DoE said that in the past, it had noticed that a single applicant often filed multiple applications to increase the selection probability in the computerised application draw of lots.
This was done through manipulating addresses, names, or any other related personal details. Such applicants often secured admissions in multiple schools.
