CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG: The Government of Meghalaya has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education by mandating that all private unaided-recognized (non-minority) schools in the state reserve at least 25% of their seats at the entry level (Class I onwards) for children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Disadvantaged Groups (DG). This directive is in accordance with Section 12(1)(c) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
“All private unaided-recognized schools in the state are to reserve a minimum of 25% of their seats, starting at the entry level from Class I onwards, for children from EWS and DG categories,” said Swapnil Tembe, Secretary of the Education Department and State Project Director of SEMAM, Samagra Shiksha.
“Studying together in the same school fosters inclusivity, eliminates stigma and discrimination against underprivileged sections of society, and strengthens the bonds among children,” he added.
Tembe clarified that the provision requires private unaided (non-minority) schools to admit children from weaker sections and disadvantaged groups—including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), orphans, and HIV-affected children—from their neighbourhoods into Class I and to provide them free and compulsory elementary education until completion. This initiative aims to bridge socio-economic disparities and ensure equitable access to quality education.
The directive was reiterated during the State Sensitization and Training Programme for Stakeholders on the Implementation of Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, 2009, held from May 27 to 30 at the DERT Annexe in Shillong.
Organized by the State Education Mission Authority of Meghalaya (SEMAM) and Samagra Shiksha, in collaboration with Indus Action, the four-day programme brought together key education stakeholders from all 12 districts of the state.
Dignitaries present at the inaugural session included Swapnil Tembe, Banteilang J. Kharshandi, MCS, Director of School Education and Literacy and Deputy State Project Director, SEMAM; and Dr Andrew Warjri, Officer on Special Duty, Samagra Shiksha.
B. Kharshandi, MCS, highlighted the transformative potential of Section 12(1)(c) in uplifting underprivileged families. “The implementation of this section will enable many poor families and children across the state to access free and compulsory education,” he stated. “This provision ensures that children from these groups receive quality education without the barrier of fees.” He urged private schools, education officials, communities, and parents to work together to ensure effective implementation.
To further streamline the process, the state has launched the Right to Education (RTE) Portal, designed to centralize applications, registration, and monitoring. The portal aims to simplify the application process for students and schools, support administrative operations, and strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability throughout the system.
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