UP government to ‘possibly’ increase fee reimbursement amount for private schools

NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh government has announced the “possibility” of increasing the amount of fees reimbursed to private schools for 25% Right to Education (RTE) seats. According to an official notification from the Association of Private Schools, basic education minister Sandeep Singh gave an assurance of increasing the reimbursement amount, which has remained Rs 450 for the last 12 years, to the president of the association. Singh also assured allotment of funds for overdue reimbursement this month and distribution of the amount next month. The announcement came after the order of the Allahabad High Court regarding fee reimbursement.

“In view of the decision taken by the Lucknow Bench of High Court of Allahabad regarding fee reimbursement, basic education minister Sandeep Singh gave an assurance of the government’s committed approach to reimburse private schools. The reimbursement has continued to remain the same at Rs 450 for the past 12 years. Minister for basic education assured the President of the Association of Private Schools, Uttar Pradesh, Atul Kumar,” said an official statement from the association.

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Earlier in May, the Association of Private Schools of Uttar Pradesh held a press conference in Lucknow demanding fee reimbursement based on the RTE Act 2009 and to send only those students for admission in unaided private schools who fulfill all conditions of eligibility set under the RTE Act.

The association requested the UP government and the education department to declare the expenses made by the government in the primary government schools during the previous nine academic sessions under the RTE Act 2019. It also urged the government to declare the payment of the balance fee reimbursement of the students of weaker sections and disadvantaged groups for these nine years.