Private schools in Maharashtra have made a demand of INR 2,400 crore from the state government. This money is due for expenses related to disadvantaged children. These children are studying under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
The Maharashtra English School Trustees Association (MESTA) has asked the government to pay the dues by March. This association represents about 20,000 private schools in the state. Reports suggest that the schools are finding it hard to operate. This is because of the delay in payments.
The children are studying under the RTE Act. The RTE Act has a special provision. It says that 25% of Class 1 and pre-primary seats should be reserved. These seats are for children from economically disadvantaged and weaker sectors. The schools provide free education to these children. The government then reimburses the schools for the tuition fees.
The private schools have more demands. They want the government to pay for uniforms, textbooks, and other school supplies. They also want to be exempted from paying electricity and property taxes. They are also demanding the state legislature pass a law. This law will protect English-medium private schools. It will help them in cases of disputes with parents.
Earlier, the state provided INR 17,670 in annual subsidies to 31,000 schools. During the COVID-19 period, the government cut the subsidy to INR 8,000 per student. The schools accepted the reduction, but the government has still not paid the subsidy in full.
In the 2020 budget, educational institutions were sanctioned INR 200 crore from the government. But only INR 84 crore was really given to the schools. The government once again promised to pay ₹200 crore for the 2022–2023 academic year. But again, just INR 40 crore was allotted.
According to reports, the government is planning to pay the dues in a phased manner and not in full.
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