By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The National President of the Private School and Children Welfare Association, Syed Shamayal Ahmed, met with Bihar Education Minister Sunil Kumar to advocate for the allocation of QR codes to private schools. This measure aims to enable more underprivileged children to access free education under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
During the meeting, Ahmed presented the pressing issues faced by private schools, highlighting that thousands of schools that applied online via the Education Department’s e-affiliation portal have not received QR codes due to the alleged arbitrariness of District Education Officers. This delay has prevented many poor children from benefiting from RTE provisions.
Ahmed also raised concerns about the enrollment challenges for students who have completed 8th grade from recognized schools but are unable to secure admission to high schools. He urged the Education Minister to issue an order facilitating the enrollment of these students into 9th grade to secure their educational futures. Additionally, Ahmed requested the prompt release of long-pending funds owed to private schools under the RTE Act.
Responding to these concerns, the Education Minister instructed the Director of Primary Education, Mithilesh Mishra, to address the problems faced by private schools immediately. The Minister also took serious note of complaints regarding the misconduct of District Education Officers towards private school operators and assured that instructions would be issued to ensure respectful treatment of educators.
Ahmed reiterated the urgent need for QR code allocation, stressing that the delay primarily stems from the arbitrary actions of District Education Officers. He emphasized that immediate issuance of QR codes is essential to ensure that lakhs of poor children can benefit from the RTE Act.
