Indian Express 01.02.2010
No entrance test to Class I, civic body reminds schools
ADMISSIONS : Notices to 350 schools after agitation against Loyola, St Vincent’s
The education department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will send a warning letter to 350 schools in its jurisdiction, against conducting entrance examinations for class I admissions.
The move follows an agitation launched by the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS) against St Vincent's and Loyola Schools conducting entrance test for class I admissions on Saturday.
“We shall send our directives to cancel the entrance test at these two schools on Monday, as it was a holiday on Saturday,” said Ramchandra Jadhav, PMC education chief. The letter states that schools should follow an admission process stipulated under the Bombay Primary Education Act, 1949.
He said notices will also be sent to 350 schools within the corporation limits, stating that such entrance tests are illegal and disciplinary action will be taken against those who violate the rules while giving admissions.
Sunil Magar, deputy director (education), said he would look into the matter and, if need be, initiate stringent action against errant schools.
The entrance test for class I admissions was held at St Vincent's and Loyola on Saturday morning, after which MNVS volunteers gheraoed Loyola principal Father James Thorat. “Many English medium schools have scheduled their class I entrance exams this week. We will launch similar agitations in these schools,” said MNVS city chief Ajay Shinde.
When asked if Marathi medium schools were also found to be conducting entrance tests, Shinde said the agitation would include all schools as holding an entrance exam for school admissions was unfair.
Shinde will meet the PMC education chief and deputy director (education) on Monday to submit a memorandum, demanding immediate and strict action against schools adopting unfair admission practices.
According to him, the PMC education chief had recommended that school admission forms should be priced between Rs 15 and Rs 50. “St Vincent’s and Loyola High school sold their forms for Rs 500. It’s time the administration initiate strict action against those who violate the government directives.”
The school authorities were not available for comment.
