In a significant development, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has strongly recommended to the AAP government that the income limit for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) admissions in private schools be raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. This recommendation comes in the wake of persistent concerns about vacant EWS seats and the need to ensure greater access to quality education for deserving students.
Saxena’s recommendation is grounded in the belief that the current income limit of Rs 1 lakh is no longer reflective of the economic realities faced by families in Delhi. He points out that the minimum wages for skilled workers in Delhi, as notified by the government, are higher than the current EWS threshold, making it difficult for many families to qualify for the reserved seats.
Furthermore, the Lieutenant Governor emphasizes that the vacant EWS seats in private schools over the past three academic years are a clear indication of a policy failure. He believes that raising the income limit would not only ensure greater inclusivity in private school admissions but also address the issue of vacant seats, thereby maximizing the benefits of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
Saxena’s recommendation also aligns with a recent order by the Delhi High Court, which observed that the EWS income limit should be dynamic and adjusted to keep pace with the changing economic landscape. He emphasizes that maintaining a low income threshold for EWS admissions in schools, while simultaneously having a higher threshold for EWS admissions in higher education institutions, creates an inequitable system that disadvantages vulnerable sections of society.
In conclusion, Saxena’s strong recommendation to raise the EWS income limit to Rs 5 lakh reflects a pressing need to ensure that the RTE Act effectively serves its purpose of promoting quality education for all. By addressing the current income threshold, the AAP government can create a more equitable and inclusive education system in Delhi, granting access to quality education for a larger segment of economically weaker sections of society.
