Fri Jun 27 02:59:03 UTC 2025: ## Summary:
The article reports on the struggles faced by parents in Andhra Pradesh whose children were selected for free education under the Right to Education (RTE) Act’s Section 12(1)(C). Despite being selected, many schools are denying admission or demanding fees due to delayed reimbursement from the government. Parents are caught in the middle, facing financial strain and disappointment. Private school managements argue for proper implementation of the Act, including timely and adequate reimbursement, citing outstanding dues and alleged irregularities in the admission process. The government has issued instructions for compliance and aims to finalize admissions soon, but the situation remains tense.
## News Article:
**Free Education Promise Falters in Andhra Pradesh as Schools Deny Admission, Demand Fees**
**Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – June 27, 2025** – The Right to Education (RTE) Act, intended to provide free education to children from economically weaker sections, is facing challenges in Andhra Pradesh as many private schools are reportedly denying admission or demanding fees from selected students. Parents who were initially overjoyed at their children’s selection are now facing frustration and financial hardship.
Under Section 12(1)(C) of the RTE Act, private unaided schools are mandated to reserve 25% of entry-level seats for disadvantaged children, with the government covering the costs. However, schools claim that delayed and inadequate reimbursement from the state government is hindering their ability to sustain these admissions.
Kottupalli Anand, a resident of Guntur district, was told he had to pay ₹15,000 for books and uniform, and an additional ₹10,000 for other activities, despite his daughter being selected for free education. Other parents have been turned away entirely, with schools citing “ongoing discussions with the government.”
“The schools reopened on June 12 and since then we’ve been running from pillar to post for our children’s admissions,” said Baburao Mandala, whose daughter was denied admission.
Private school management associations insist they are not against the RTE but want the government to implement Section 12(2) properly, which involves reimbursing schools the per-child expenditure. They also allege irregularities in the admission process, including incorrect date of birth entries and misuse of reserved categories. Furthermore, they claim fee reimbursement is pending for the last three years, and they are withholding admissions until the issues are resolved.
Samagra Shiksha officials claim they have instructed schools to comply and issued show-cause notices to some institutions. They aim to finalize admissions by June 29th. “We have given serious instructions to private school managements to comply with the admission process,” stated Samagra Shiksha State Project Director B. Srinivasa Rao.
The situation leaves many families in limbo, questioning the effectiveness of the RTE and the promise of free and compulsory education for all. The stalemate between the government and private schools needs to be resolved quickly to ensure that deserving children are not deprived of their right to education.
First Piper 