Tamil Nadu private schools seek higher RTE reimbursement, clearance of pending dues

The Federation of Private School Associations (FePSA) has asked the Tamil Nadu government to revise the per child expenditure (PCE) reimbursement provided to private schools for children admitted under the right to education (RTE) act for the 2026-27 academic year.

Under the RTE act, 25% of the seats in private schools are reserved for children from underprivileged families with an annual family income of less than Rs 2 lakh.

In a representation submitted to the Tamil Nadu government, FePSA said the PCE amount is calculated through a single government order which covers four academic years, from 2022-23 to 2025-26. According to the association, the reimbursement amount has not increased enough with the rise in operational costs faced by private schools.

FePSA highlighted, “The annual amount for LKG and UKG had remained at Rs 6,000 during the period, despite a significant rise in teachers’ salaries, dearness allowance, EPF, electricity, drinking water, building maintenance, smart classroom facilities and teaching materials.”

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Association seeks revision, clearance of pending dues

The rising costs cited by FePSA include teachers’ salaries, dearness allowance, EPF contributions, electricity, drinking water, building maintenance, smart classroom facilities and teaching-learning materials.

The association has urged the Tamil Nadu government to consider these increased expenses while finalising the PCE for the upcoming academic year. It said a revised reimbursement would help private schools meet the costs associated with provisioning education to students enrolled under the RTE act.

FePSA has also appealed for the release of the pending RTE reimbursement amounts for 2025-26, stating that clearing dues is important for schools starting the RTE admission process.