Tamil Nadu RTE Admission Row: Why Activists Oppose the Government’s New Plan

The Central Government has released Rs.773 crore to Tamil Nadu under the Right to Education Act (RTE), which mandates 25% reservation for underprivileged children in private schools. The funds, pending since 2021, were released after the Madras High Court directed both governments to fulfill their obligations under the Act.

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Why the RTE Act Matters

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, ensures that private schools must reserve 25% of seats from LKG to Class 8 for children from economically weaker sections. The State Government pays the fees for these students, with 60% of the reimbursement coming from the Central Government through the Project Approval Board (PAB).

The Fund Dispute Explained

According to Tamil Nadu officials, the state has been spending around Rs.80 crore annually to cover RTE preschool admissions. However, since 2021, the Centre withheld Rs.773.49 crore, including dues of Rs.222.6 crore for FY 2024–25. The Central Government reportedly paused payments because the Tamil Nadu Government hadn’t signed the MoU for the New Education Policy (NEP).

Court Steps In

Hearing the case filed by activist Easwaran, the Madras High Court reminded both governments that education is a shared constitutional responsibility under Section 7 of the RTE Act. The bench clarified that RTE funds cannot be linked to the NEP, urging the Centre to release the dues immediately — a move that finally unlocked the funds.

Admission Drive Announced

Following the fund release, the Tamil Nadu Government announced RTE admissions for the 2025–26 academic year. The notification stated that 25% admissions will be made in LKG and Class 1 of all non-minority private schools, with online registration through rte.tnschools.gov.in. Priority will be given to differently-abled, orphaned, HIV-infected, and sanitation workers’ children.

Opposition Mounts Against Plan

However, the timing of the announcement — after quarterly school vacations — has drawn criticism from several quarters. Activist Easwaran, who first moved court for RTE implementation, said the government’s plan to select students who are already enrolled in schools “defeats the very purpose” of the RTE Act.

Activists’ Core Argument

Easwaran argues that since private school admissions are already over, deserving poor children — who could not afford fees — have missed out. “If only currently enrolled students are considered, how will the poorest get access?” he asked. He urged the government to reopen applications and give fresh opportunities to those still out of school.

Schools Association Backs Protest

The Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association has also opposed the decision. Its General Secretary Nandakumar said, “Admissions are already complete. The government should not pick students from existing classes. Instead, it should admit 25% additional students under RTE and cover their fees.” The association is now considering a restraining order if the policy isn’t revised.

Key Admission Schedule 2025–26

• Oct 6: RTE Admission Notification Released
• Oct 7–9: Upload of student data and eligible documents
• Oct 10–13: Review of applications and document corrections
• Oct 14: Final List of Eligible Students Published
• Oct 16: Lottery Process for Excess Applications
• Oct 17: Final Entry of Selected Students into EMIS Portal
• For queries, parents can email rteadmission@tnschools.gov.in

What Lies Ahead

While the fund release has paved the way for RTE admissions, the execution method remains controversial. Experts say the government must ensure inclusivity by reopening admissions for poor children who missed out earlier, otherwise the core intent of the RTE Act — equal opportunity in education — may be undermined.

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