Schools that have been allotted land by the government at lower rates might now have to reserve almost 40 per cent of seats for students from poorer sections.

A Delhi High Court ruling in 2007 had set aside a 15 per cent quota — 10 per cent for children from the economically weaker section (EWS) and five per cent for those of staff. In case the five per cent staff quota wasn’t filled, those seats would also go to EWS children.

Newsline has learnt that an additional 25 per cent is being considered for reservation under the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE) for the 390 schools that are on government land allotted at concessional rates.

Section 12(B) of the RTE says the reservation should be a minimum of 25 per cent. Sources said Education department officials are now discussing the technicalities of the Act and how to implement both quotas. Sources said outlays have to be made in the budget too.

“The RTE is an Act now. Schools should know that. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. We will create awareness about the new Act and the government is working out modalities for its implementation,” sources said. “It will be implemented only after the government approves,” they said.

While the government will reimburse private and unaided schools the cost of reserving the 25 per cent seats, education is to be provided free of cost to poor children under the EWS quota.

Sources also said that schools should consider the 25 per cent reservation irrespective of whether they have been allotted land at a cheaper rate. “Land allotment is a separate issue. Why do we have to club it together? The 25 per cent reservation for poor kids under RTE will be implemented in all schools,” they said.

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