Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009
RTE 12 (1) (c)
In 2009, the Indian Parliament passed the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, ensuring all Indian children aged six to fourteen have access to basic education. Aligned with Article 21A of the Constitution, this Act aims to establish a comprehensive educational system.
The Act mandates that private unaided schools allocate a minimum of 25% of their entry-level seats to students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, as specified under Section 12(1)(c). This provision promotes inclusivity and equity in education, enabling marginalized communities to access quality schooling.
The Department of School Education, Punjab has issued detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure transparent and equitable implementation. All private unaided schools (excluding minority institutions) must comply for admissions under RTE in entry-level classes such as:
- Nursery
- LKG
- UKG
- Class I
Eligible Categories
1. Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
Children belonging to parents or guardians whose gross family income from all sources is below ₹8.0 lakhs per annum (as fixed vide letter no. 1/16/2019-RCI/116 dated 14th May, 2019 by the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Punjab, subject to annual revision).
2. Children Belonging to Disadvantaged Groups
- Scheduled Caste
- Backward Class / Other Backward Classes (non-creamy layer)
- Children of war widows
- Children of disabled persons (minimum 40% disability)
- Children with special needs under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
- Orphan children (as defined in the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015)
The reservation ratio between Economically Weaker Sections and Disadvantaged Groups shall remain 50:50.
A centralized online application system along with a transparent draw of lots mechanism is implemented for admissions under RTE.
Required Documents
Proof of Age (Any One)
- Birth Certificate (under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act, 1886)
- Hospital / ANM Register Record
- Anganwadi Record
- Affidavit declaring the age of the child by parent/guardian
Proof of Residence (Any One)
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter Identity Card (Parent/Guardian)
- Ordinary Resident Register (ORR)
- Electricity / Telephone / Water Bill
- House Tax Receipt
- Driving License
- Rent Agreement
- Ration Card
- Employer Certificate
- Certificate from Tehsildar / Local Authority
- Certificate from Child Welfare Committee (CWC)
- Passport
Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
- Income and Asset Certificate issued by Tehsildar / Sub Divisional Magistrate
Caste Certificate
- Certificate issued by the concerned Sub Divisional Magistrate
War Widow's Children (Any One)
- War Widow / Ex-Serviceman Identity Card
- Discharge Book / Service Particulars
- Pension Payment Order
- Death Certificate of Soldier
- Dependent Identity Card
- Ex-Servicemen ID Card
- Documentation from Department of Sainik Welfare, Punjab
Children of Disabled Persons (Minimum 40% Disability)
- Disability Certificate from Civil Surgeon
- Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card
Children with Special Needs (RPWD Act, 2016)
- Disability Certificate from Civil Surgeon
- Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card
