Nearly 2,200 private schools in city face threat of closure
These schools, under the banner of Delhi State Private Schools Association (DSPSA), believe that “some of the provisions of the RTE are against the weaker section of society.”
“According to Section 18(5) of RTE Act, after March 31, 2013, schools that are not recognised are liable for a one-time penalty of Rs 1 lakh and a per day fine of Rs 10,000. This may lead to closure of thousands of schools in Delhi. These schools may not be regularised because they do not meet present land norm requirements for primary school recognition (800 sq m as per MPD-2021),” DSPSA Chairman R C Jain said.
According to Jain, most of these schools are situated in slums, rehabilitated and unauthorised colonies where sufficient land and schools are not available. “At least 4.75 lakh students from weaker section of society will be affected by this closure,” Jain said.
These schools are seeking a relaxation in the RTE norms - relaxation of deadline and the 800 sq m rule — as they argue that more land cannot be bought due to a space constraints in the areas where they operate. Also, they charge a nominal fee from their students and there is “no way” they will be able to
