ArdorComm Media Group

Contact Us
logo
Menu
logo
ArdorComm ArdorComm ArdorComm

private schools

Delhi Govt Mandates Private Schools to Support Students Who Lost Parents Post-2020

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

The Delhi Education Department has issued a directive to private schools, urging them to extend support to students who lost one or both parents after March 2020. This initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted education for these vulnerable students through provisions like free ship or classification under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) or Disadvantaged Group categories. The circular emphasizes that private unaided and aided recognized schools must provide the necessary educational support to orphans and children who have lost a parent, whether due to COVID-19 or other circumstances. Schools operating on land allotted by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) or government are required to immediately place these students under the free ship category, ensuring that their education continues without financial burden. District Deputy Directors of Education (DDEs) have been instructed to monitor and facilitate this process, ensuring no delays at the school, zonal, or district level. The directive mandates that all eligible students be enrolled under the EWS category, allowing them access to the necessary educational resources and support systems. Private schools are entitled to claim reimbursement for these students’ fees up to the elementary level from the Directorate of Education, Delhi. For students who have completed Class 8, the circular advises that they should be guided towards admission into government schools, ensuring a smooth transition and continued access to education. This measure is part of the Delhi government’s broader strategy to provide educational support to children affected by the pandemic and its aftermath. The Delhi government’s initiative underscores a commitment to safeguarding the educational rights of children who have experienced significant personal loss, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede their future opportunities. Source: India Today  

Delhi Govt Mandates Private Schools to Support Students Who Lost Parents Post-2020 Read More »

‘Zero Tolerance Policy’: Education Ministry Directs States to Enforce Student Safety Guidelines

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

The Ministry of Education has instructed all states and union territories to implement the “Guidelines on School Safety and Security-2021” to enhance the protection of children in educational institutions. These directives follow the Supreme Court’s orders in response to Writ Petitions (Criminal) No. 136 of 2017 and (Civil) No. 874 of 2017 filed with the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL). The guidelines, which are aligned with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, are designed to ensure clear accountability among school management across government, government-aided, and private schools. They cover critical areas such as preventive education, reporting processes, legal provisions, support services, and the creation of a safe learning environment. States and union territories have been requested to update the ministry on the status of these guidelines’ notification within their jurisdictions. Initially issued on October 1, 2021, the guidelines allow states flexibility to adapt them according to local needs. The focus remains on a ‘zero tolerance policy’ towards any negligence regarding child safety. The official notice emphasizes that any failure by individuals or school management to ensure student safety will not be tolerated. The guidelines aim to foster a collaborative approach among students, parents, teachers, and school management in creating a secure environment conducive to holistic child development. Additionally, they raise awareness among all stakeholders about existing acts, policies, and procedures related to physical, socio-emotional, cognitive, and disaster safety in schools. The guidelines also clarify the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in enforcing safety protocols. In private and unaided schools, accountability is placed on school management, principals, and teachers. In government and government-aided schools, this responsibility lies with the head of the institution, teachers, and educational administrators, covering all aspects of a child’s school experience, including transportation to and from school.  

‘Zero Tolerance Policy’: Education Ministry Directs States to Enforce Student Safety Guidelines Read More »

Centre Urges Four States to Implement RTE, Reserve 25% Seats in Private Unaided Schools

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

The Centre has urged state governments to enforce the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which mandates reserving 25% of seats in private unaided schools for children from economically weaker sections. Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary informed the Rajya Sabha that states like Punjab, Kerala, Telangana, and West Bengal have not yet implemented this provision. During the Question Hour, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that education, being a concurrent subject, requires joint efforts from both the Centre and states to ensure school education up to class 12 for all children. He noted that while there is nearly 100% enrollment in class 1 due to collective efforts, the number of students decreases in higher classes, which depends on the proactive measures taken by state governments. Pradhan highlighted that the RTE Act, along with the National Education Policy (NEP), aims to ensure inclusive education for all children until class 12. He acknowledged the previous government for framing the RTE, which includes a significant provision for reserving 25% of seats for underprivileged kids. He appealed to the non-compliant states to implement this provision to achieve universal education. AAP’s Vikramjit Singh Sahney inquired about the number of children covered under RTE and the government’s actions to regulate higher education fees. Chaudhary responded that the RTE, passed in 2009, prioritizes inclusive education for children from poor families and has provisions for reintegrating those who missed formal education. He noted that the Punjab government, under AAP, cited a sufficient number of government schools as a reason for not implementing the 25% quota. Sahney also raised concerns about the high cost of education from kindergarten to postgraduate levels. Chaudhary pointed out that while education is a concurrent subject, states have a significant role in fee regulation. He mentioned that several states have formulated policies to regulate fees and that investments in education have increased, with the Centre’s budget for education doubling over the last decade. AAP’s Swati Maliwal highlighted the exploitation by private schools forcing parents to buy expensive uniforms and books. Pradhan reiterated that education is primarily a state subject, and state governments should take stringent actions against such profiteering, with the Centre’s support.

Centre Urges Four States to Implement RTE, Reserve 25% Seats in Private Unaided Schools Read More »

Haryana Revises School Timings Amid Heatwave Alert; Announces Summer Vacation

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

In response to a heatwave alert issued for several states, the Haryana government has announced revised school timings. Starting immediately, the first shift in all schools will run from 7 am to 12 pm, while the second shift will commence at 12:45 pm. This change applies to both government and private schools across the state. Additionally, the Haryana government has declared summer vacation for all schools, starting June 1 and lasting until June 30, 2024. This decision, based on a press release, aims to protect students from the extreme heat predicted by the Meteorological Department. According to weather forecasts, Haryana will experience intense heat waves in the coming days, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 46 degrees Celsius. In light of these conditions, weather experts have issued yellow and orange alerts for various districts. The revised school timings are expected to provide some relief to students during this period of extreme heat. By adjusting the hours of operation, the government aims to reduce the exposure of children to the harshest parts of the day. Similar measures are being taken in neighboring regions. All government schools in Delhi were closed on May 11, while summer vacations in private schools are expected to start in May. In Uttar Pradesh, summer vacations are set to begin by May 25, 2024, across most schools. Additionally, schools in areas where Lok Sabha voting will take place will also be closed to facilitate the electoral process. These steps reflect a broader effort to ensure the safety and well-being of students amid extreme weather conditions. As temperatures continue to rise, the proactive measures taken by the Haryana government and other states aim to mitigate the risks associated with the heatwave.    

Haryana Revises School Timings Amid Heatwave Alert; Announces Summer Vacation Read More »

Chandigarh Education Department Holds Crucial Meeting with Schools on Mandatory EWS Admissions

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

In order to strengthen compliance with the Right to Education (RTE) Act, the Chandigarh education department will convene a meeting with representatives from all private schools to discuss the necessity of admissions under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota for the upcoming 2024-25 academic session. According to Harsuhinderpal Singh Brar, the director of school education in Chandigarh, the meeting aims to firmly demonstrate that all schools, with only a few exceptions, are covered by the RTE Act. Brar stressed that there will be no place for misunderstanding or departure regarding EWS admissions in the upcoming academic session. According to sources, the majority of schools, with the exception of ten, have already provided the UT education department with information about EWS admissions. These schools are expected to participate in the centralized admissions process, though it is unclear whether these are the same ten schools that did not participate in the previous academic year. While the schedule for general admissions has been released, the schedule for EWS admissions is expected to be delayed due to ongoing proceedings in the Punjab and Haryana high court. The court has ordered Chandigarh schools to provide audited accounts demonstrating fee collections, particularly from students aged six to fourteen, with the next hearing scheduled for December 7. The court’s directives stem from a plea filed by the Independent Schools’ Association (ISA), challenging UT’s instructions mandating EWS admissions. HS Mamik, the president of ISA, highlighted concerns that private schools were only being reimbursed for 10% of EWS seats instead of the stipulated 15%, adversely affecting the functioning of these institutions. The education department is also considering on punitive actions against schools that did not engage in the centralised EWS admissions for the 2023-24 session. Eight out of 20 minority schools reportedly abstained from the draw of lots, requiring personal hearings and ongoing efforts to resolve the situation. In the face of legal complications, the education department has taken attempts to enforce quota adherence, while private schools face financial and operational challenges as a result of reimbursement policy disparities. The upcoming meeting intends to clarify the EWS admission procedure and reinforce the RTE Act’s commitment to inclusive education.

Chandigarh Education Department Holds Crucial Meeting with Schools on Mandatory EWS Admissions Read More »

Dr. S. K. Rathor, Founder, Chairman & MD, Sanfort Group of Schools, Shares his views on Vision 2030 for Education Sector

Leave a Comment / / Interviews

“My request is that every progressive private school should handhold one budget school, one government school, or one school in a rural area to help uplift them and bring their education level up to par with children in more privileged schools,” says Dr. S. K. Rathor, Founder, Chairman & MD, Sanfort Group of Schools, in an Interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media Group at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSANewDelhi #ELSAGurugram How are you feeling to witness the New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards in Delhi? Thank you so much for inviting me. I’d like to share that when Chandan and Ashish were planning their first event two years ago, they met me. I’ve known them for many years, and they explained their plan to start their own venture. I’m delighted to see the remarkable growth that your company have achieved in just two short years. Today’s event is much better than the first one, which was the first physical event post-COVID in the industry. I must say it’s a significant achievement, and I look forward to an even bigger event with a larger audience next year. The theme of our event is India Vision 2030. What do you think should be the vision for the school education sector? The vision for the school education sector shouldn’t be limited to any particular group or individual; it should be a vision for the entire country. Our Prime Minister has introduced the National Education Policy, which prioritizes Early Childhood Education for the first time in our education system. When it comes to private schools, many have good infrastructure and budgets for investment. However, it’s crucial to remember that a significant portion of our population attends government schools, budget schools, or schools in rural areas, and these children come from less privileged backgrounds. My request is that every progressive private school should handhold one budget school, one government school, or one school in a rural area to help uplift them and bring their education level up to par with children in more privileged schools. Only then can the National Education Policy truly become a reality on the ground. The government cannot do it all; it’s the duty of every educator and private institution to support government schools and underprivileged children. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group? ArdorComm Media is doing a fantastic job, and I believe you will experience multi-fold growth in the next couple of years. I wish you to become the premier organization for education conferences and seminars in the country.

Dr. S. K. Rathor, Founder, Chairman & MD, Sanfort Group of Schools, Shares his views on Vision 2030 for Education Sector Read More »