New Delhi, 20 July – EWS Admissions in Delhi – Delhi Government’s Directorate of Education (DoE) has made Aadhaar cards mandatory for EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) admissions, and admissions under DG (Disadvantaged Groups) and CWSN (Children With Special Needs) categories, in private schools in Delhi.
The rule will come into effect from the next academic year, that is, from 2023. As per the DoE, this rule has been implemented to bring fairness and transparency into the admission process pertaining to private schools in Delhi under the EWS, DG and CWSN categories.
EWS Admission in Delhi – Overview of Changes for EWS, DG and CWSN Admissions in Delhi Private Schools
| Order Issuing Authority | Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi Government |
| Eligible Students | EWS, DG, CSWN category students |
| Eligible Classes | LKG, UKG and Class 1, that is, entry level classes |
| Changed Policy about Aadhaar Card | Previously optional for admission, now mandatory |
| Policy Applicable From | Academic Session 2023-24 |
| Other Changes for EWS, DG and CWSN Category Admissions | Relaxation of distance criteria for first preference among schools from 1 km to 3 km. |
EWS Admission in Delhi – New Policy Details
Changed Aadhaar Card Policy for Admissions – Explained
- From the next academic session, that is, 2023-24, Aadhar cards will be mandatory for applying for admissions to Delhi private schools under the economically weaker section (EWS), disadvantaged groups (DG), and children with special needs (CWSN) categories.
- Private schools are required to reserve 25% of seats in their entry-level classes for admission of students from these categories as per the provisions of the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The admissions are led by the Directorate of Education (DoE) through an online application process, following which seats are allotted through a centralized draw of lots.
- Previously, it was optional for candidates to provide Aadhaar card details during online applications. Now, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has stated that the Aadhaar card is mandatory for a fair, transparent, uniform and hassle-free admission process.
Reason Behind the Changed Aadhaar Card Policy for EWS Admissions in Delhi
- According to the Directorate of Education (DoE), many applicants used to fill up the application form by hiding or changing personal details to increase the probability of their selection in the computerized lottery.
- The department also noticed that some applicants got admissions to multiple schools because of this manipulation, while many deserving students stayed deprived.
- In a statement issued on the changed policy, the DoE noted, “The entire aim behind mandating the Aadhar card for admission process is in the interest of the deserving eligible applicants entitled to avail the benefits of Free and Compulsory Education under Section 12 (1) (c) of RTE Act, 2009 and to curb the malpractices adopted by several applicants by filling multiple application to increase their chances unfairly for selection.”
- The statement further noted, “This malpractice results in defeat of the beneficial scheme implemented for the admission of the bonafide EWS/DG and CWSN category students.”
Privacy Concerns Regarding the Changed Aadhar Card Policy for EWS Admissions in Delhi
Addressing concerns regarding privacy and data safety, the DoE has clarified that the information collected from the Aadhar card at the time of registration of the application form will be only minimal. Details contained therein, including personal details like biometrics, will be not stored or shared with any other agency.
Note: For other policy changes related to EWS admissions in Delhi, see our previous article.
FAQs
What is the RTE Act?
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009, also known as the RTE Act, seeks to provide free and compulsory education to all children aged between 6 and 14 years in India. It has provisions such as offering infrastructural support to schools and students, promoting inclusivity in schools, prohibiting discrimination, regulating the quality of teachers and teaching, etc.
Are private schools covered by the RTE Act?
Yes. This act states that all private and unaided recognized schools, except the schools run by minorities, are obliged to admit students belonging to weaker sections, disadvantaged groups, as well as children with special needs in up to 25 percent of their total strength at entry-level classes.
What are entry-level classes for EWS admissions?
Entry-level classes mean classes including lower kindergarten (LKG), upper kindergarten (UKG) and Class 1, or from whichever of these three classes teaching at a school begins.
Are preschool and nursery classes also eligible for EWS admissions in Delhi?
No. Preschool classes and nursery classes are not eligible for EWS, DG, and CWSN admissions.
Is Aadhaar card mandatory for EWS admissions in Delhi private schools?
Yes. As per the new orders issued by the DoE (Directorate of Education), Delhi Government, Aadhaar card has been made mandatory for admission to private schools in Delhi under EWS, DG, and CWSN categories, from the academic session 2023-24.
Why has the Aadhaar card become mandatory for EWS admissions in Delhi private schools?
According to the Directorate of Education (DoE), many applicants used to fill up the application form by hiding or changing personal details to increase the probability of their selection in the computerized lottery. Some applicants even got admissions to multiple schools because of this manipulation, while many deserving students stayed deprived. The policy has been changed to stop these malpractices.
Is it safe to share Aadhaar details with DoE (Delhi)?
Yes. DoE has clarified that the information collected from the Aadhar card at the time of registration of the application form will be only minimal. Details contained therein, including personal details like biometrics, will be not stored or shared with any other agency. Therefore, it is safe to share Aadhaar data with DoE.
