Schools await RTE reimbursement for 2012-13

NASHIK: The Nashik zilla parishad is preparing estimates for reimbursements from the government for admitting students under the Right to Education (RTE) Act in 2014-15 but, the fact remains that total 279 schools in Nashik and Malegaon are still awaiting reimbursements for admitting 1,910 students in 2012-13 under the act.
According to the RTE norms, children of parents having an annual income of less than Rs 1 lakh can avail of free and compulsory education.The schools have to submit the number of students admitted and the fees are reimbursed by the zilla parishasd at the end of each academic year.
In these 279 schools, the total RTE quota was 3,589 in 2012-13, out of which 53.29% (1,910 students) was filled.
An extension officer at the zilla parishad said that the ZP had demanded about Rs 24 lakh for 484 students for whom the schools had requested reimbursement. As per norms, every school has to notify to the ZP about the amount spent on the education of each student and seek the money. However, no money has been received so far. “Senior officials said no school across the state has received the reimbursement,” she added.
Another official at the office of the deputy director of education, meanwhile, said that Dhule district has received the reimbursement and the matter should be pursued effectively.
For the academic year 2013-14, the ZP has received applications for 1,094 students. “The final estimates are being prepared and would be sent for approval,” the official added.
For 2014-15, as many as 1,071 students have been admitted in 175 ZP schools under the 25% RTE quota. Moreover, 800 students were admitted in 97 schools under the Nashik Municipal Corporation and 60 students in 39 civic schools in Malegaon.