Telangana is moving towards implementing the 25% reservation for children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups in private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The development follows renewed scrutiny by the Supreme Court and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) over delays in enforcing the statutory provision across several states.Telangana School Education Director Dr E. Naveen Nicolas reportedly travelled to Delhi and assured the commission that the state would implement the Supreme Court’s directions. The development comes ahead of the next hearing on October 27, 2026, when the court has directed the NCPCR Chairperson and Director to appear in person and provide an update on implementation.Supreme Court seeks accountability over RTE implementationThe Supreme Court, on September 29, expressed dissatisfaction with the NCPCR’s response to the implementation of Section 12(1)(c) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. The provision requires private unaided schools to reserve at least 25% of entry-level seats for children belonging to weaker sections and disadvantaged groups.The bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe said the commission’s responsibility extended beyond collecting information from states and union territories. The court stressed that the statutory provision must be implemented effectively.Telangana’s proposed implementation frameworkTelangana has considered a targeted approach to admissions under the quota. Under the proposed framework, priority would be given to identified areas without a government or local body school within a one-kilometre radius.The state initially mapped 50 rural habitations and 46 urban colonies for this purpose. Private non-minority schools in the identified areas would reserve 25% of entry-level seats for eligible children.The state has also faced concerns over reimbursement of fees to private schools. The proposed framework envisages financial arrangements involving the state and central governments to support the implementation.Eligibility and admission procedureThe reservation covers children from economically weaker sections and notified disadvantaged groups. Eligible families would need to provide the prescribed income, caste, disability or other applicable certificates.Admissions under the RTE quota are intended to follow a transparent process without student interviews or entrance tests. A lottery-based allotment system has been described as part of the proposed admission framework.October 27 hearing to review progressThe Supreme Court’s upcoming hearing is expected to examine progress towards implementing the 25% reservation across states. Telangana’s assurance to the NCPCR comes as the commission faces scrutiny over compliance with the court’s directions.The state government’s final implementation rules, eligibility conditions and admission schedule will determine how eligible children can access the reserved seats.
