Maharashtra RTE 1km Rule 'Illegal', Over 35,000 Seats May Remain Vacant, AAP Claims

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has raised concerns over the Maharashtra government's implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, specifically the '1km rule' which mandates that students must reside within one kilometer of a school to be eligible for admission. AAP argues that this regulation is illegal and may lead to over 35,000 seats remaining unfilled in private schools, which are obligated to reserve 25% of their seats for economically weaker sections. The party contends that the rule undermines the objectives of the RTE Act, which aims to ensure equitable access to education for all children, irrespective of their socioeconomic background. The Maharashtra government has been urged to reconsider the policy to prevent further exclusion of disadvantaged students. As discussions continue, the implications of this rule on the education landscape in Maharashtra remain a focal point of concern for various stakeholders, including parents, educators, and policymakers. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving the goals of the RTE Act in the state, as the need for inclusive education becomes increasingly urgent.