Nagpur: Minister of State (school education) Pankaj Bhoyar on Thursday said an inquiry will be conducted into allegations that some schools are misusing minority status to secure exemptions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act and avail related benefits. Minority institutions are not mandated to reserve 25% seats under the free category.Responding to reports that nearly 8,000 schools in Maharashtra have been granted minority status, Bhoyar said concerns were raised that, barring a small percentage, several institutions may have sought the tag primarily to claim RTE exemptions or other advantages. Referring to claims that permissions were granted to 75 schools in a single day, he said any irregularities found during scrutiny would invite action.“The chairman of the minority commission has also taken note of the issue. A thorough inquiry will be conducted. If any institution is found misusing minority status for undue benefit, action will be taken, irrespective of its size,” Bhoyar said.The minister also referred to complaints from some schools alleging that certain parents forged documents to secure free seats under RTE. “If such complaints are substantiated, appropriate action will follow. The objective of RTE is to provide quality education to poor and genuinely eligible students,” Bhoyar said.Addressing recent changes in RTE norms, including the 1-km eligibility criterion, Bhoyar said the modifications were introduced after complaints that loopholes in the earlier system allowed ineligible students to secure admissions meant for disadvantaged sections. “Necessary changes were made to ensure benefits reach eligible and needy students, particularly those residing in the local area,” he said.He added that the govt’s priority is to ensure transparency and fairness in implementing education policies. “If any institution obtained minority status improperly or is using it beyond its intended scope, strict action will be taken,” Bhoyar said.The proposed inquiry will examine both the process of granting minority status and compliance with RTE provisions to ensure the scheme’s original intent is not diluted.
