The Uttar Pradesh government has removed the mandatory Aadhaar card requirement for children seeking admission to private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Only one parent’s Aadhaar card is now required for the online application process, easing a previous hurdle for families.
This policy change aims to simplify the admission process for economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups. However, the government confirms that financial aid under the RTE Act will be disbursed solely into Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts belonging to parents. Applicants must clearly state these bank details during their online registration.
Aadhaar Requirement Simplified for Children
Previously, a child’s individual Aadhaar card was a mandatory document for RTE admission applications. The state government revised this rule following reports to ease the administrative burden on eligible families. Now, providing the Aadhaar card of just one parent suffices for completing the online application form.
The Additional Chief Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education released this directive. They stated this measure supports efforts to make “ease of living” a reality, particularly for families genuinely belonging to disadvantaged groups, aligning with the core principles of the RTE Act.
Financial Aid Linked to Parent Aadhaar Accounts
Parents whose children secure admission under RTE and are eligible for financial assistance must ensure their bank accounts are directly linked to their Aadhaar number. The state government will exclusively transfer funds for educational support into these Aadhaar-seeded accounts. This specific banking information forms a crucial part of the admission application.
RTE Act: Quota in Private Schools
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, mandates that all private unaided schools reserve a minimum of 25% of their total capacity in the lowest entry class for children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups. This ensures equitable access to education.
District-wise annual targets for admitting children under this provision are determined by the District Education Project Committee. The District Magistrate (DM) presides over this committee, overseeing the implementation of the RTE quotas within their district.
Age Criteria for RTE Admissions
The state government has established clear age criteria for admissions to various classes under the RTE Act. An official order issued to all District Magistrates specifies these age limits, ensuring consistent application across Uttar Pradesh:
| Class | Age Range (Years) |
|---|---|
| Nursery | Above 3, Less than 4 |
| LKG | Between 4 and 5 |
| UKG | Between 5 and 6 |
| Class 1 | Between 6 and 7 |
Document Verification Process
All documents submitted by applicants will undergo thorough verification at the local administrative level. Block Education Officers (BEOs) and Basic Shiksha Adhikaris (BSAs) are designated to conduct these checks. This decentralized system aims to ensure the authenticity of applications and eligibility claims.
Online School Allotment Through Lottery
Following successful document verification and official approval of applications by the District Magistrate or Chief Development Officer (CDO), an online lottery system allocates schools to eligible children. This transparent process occurs on a specific, predetermined date and is completed in two distinct stages.
Stage 1: Application Randomization
The first stage involves an online randomization of all verified and approved applications. The system shuffles these applications electronically. Each application is then assigned a unique lottery number, forming the basis for the subsequent school allotment.
Stage 2: School Allocation by Preference
The second stage proceeds with the actual school allocation. Schools are allotted in batches, typically in lots of 100 applicants. Each applicant receives a school based on their stated preferences during application and in ascending order of their assigned lottery number. The District Magistrate formally approves these final school allotments, ensuring fairness and adherence to the guidelines.