Recognition of Schools Violating RTE Norms May Be Cancelled; Over 3.6 Lakh Children Currently Benefiting from the Scheme
TFP Bureau, Raipur, April 6, 2026: The Chhattisgarh government has warned private schools across the state that strict action, including cancellation of recognition, will be taken if they refuse admission to eligible students under the provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE), 2009.
The RTE Act has been implemented in Chhattisgarh since April 2010, ensuring that 25 percent of seats in entry-level classes of non-aided private schools are reserved for children belonging to economically weaker sections, disadvantaged groups and deprived communities living near the schools. The initiative aims to ensure equal access to quality education for underprivileged children.
According to officials, the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai remains committed to expanding educational opportunities for children from marginalized backgrounds. The government is taking continuous measures to ensure that every eligible child receives access to education without financial barriers.
Transparent payment of reimbursement amount
Under the RTE Act, private schools are required to reserve 25 percent of their seats at the nursery or Class 1 level for eligible children. In return, the state government reimburses the schools for the expenses incurred in educating these students.
The reimbursement is calculated on the basis of the per-child expenditure in government schools or the actual fee charged by the private school, whichever amount is lower. The government has emphasized that the reimbursement process is carried out in a transparent manner to ensure fairness for both schools and students.
Reimbursement better than several neighbouring states
Officials said that the reimbursement provided by Chhattisgarh compares favourably with many neighbouring states. Since the academic year 2011–12, the state has fixed an annual reimbursement of ₹7,000 per student for Classes 1 to 5 and ₹11,400 per student for Classes 6 to 8.
In comparison, the reimbursement amounts are ₹4,419 in Madhya Pradesh, ₹6,569 in Bihar, ₹5,100 in Jharkhand and ₹5,400 in Uttar Pradesh. While certain states such as Odisha, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Karnataka provide higher reimbursements, officials said the amount provided in Chhattisgarh remains balanced and equitable in relation to the state’s education expenditure.
Over 3.6 lakh students benefiting from the scheme
At present, around 3,63,515 students are receiving education in approximately 6,862 private schools across the state under the RTE provisions. The scheme has significantly expanded access to quality schooling for children from economically weaker families.
For the current academic year, the admission process is underway for nearly 22,000 seats in Class 1 under the 25 percent reservation provision. Education department officials have directed all recognized private schools to comply fully with the RTE guidelines and ensure that eligible students are granted admission without delay.
Strict action against violations
The government has made it clear that refusal to admit students under the RTE quota or attempts to obstruct the admission process will invite strict disciplinary action. Such measures may include penalties and even cancellation of recognition granted to the school under the RTE framework.
The School Education Department has also appealed to parents and the general public not to be misled by rumours or incorrect information regarding the admission process. Citizens have been advised to rely only on official announcements and verified information issued by the government regarding admissions under the RTE Act.
