Admissions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act to private unaided schools for the academic year 2021-22 will begin from June 11, announced the office of the director of primary education, Pune. Parents of students who have been selected in the lottery should reach directly to allotted schools for admission with original and photocopies of all required documents.

This year, the lottery round for admissions under the RTE till Class 8 in private unaided schools was conducted on April 7, 2021 via video conference. Following which, SMS were sent on registered mobile numbers to concerned parents if students were selected in the lottery. The selection list was published on the online portal https://student.maharashtra.gov.in/adm_portal/Users/rteindex.

But due to lockdown restrictions imposed in Maharashtra on account of the second Covid-19 wave, the admission process and submission of documents to respective schools was deferred. Now, the office of the director of primary education, Pune announced, "RTE admission for 25 per cent seats for the academic year 2021-22 will begin from June 11."

Parents have been given 20 days to submit documents and confirm admissions. The office further said, "Parents who are unable to visit schools due to Covid-19 situation can contact schools via email, WhatsApp or telephone to complete the process."

Under RTE admissions, students from financially weak backgrounds can avail free and compulsory education till Class 8 in private unaided schools. 25 per cent seats in private unaided schools are reserved for them under RTE.