Bhubaneswar: In the wake of allegation of irregularities in enrolment of students belonging to economically weaker sections (EWS), Odisha government on Wednesday constituted a committee to oversee the online admission process through RTE Paradarshi Portal.
The committee will oversee the online admission process through RTE Paradarshi Portal, receive and dispose of grievances, if any and submit suggestions for further streamlining of the process, an order issued by the School and Mass Education department said.
The four-member committee is headed by additional secretary in School and Mass Education (S&ME) department, Sangram Keshari Mohapatra. Other members are Durga Prasad Mohapatra, additional secretary in S&ME department, Jadumani Mohapatra, additional secretary in S&ME, and Sushree Sangita Panda, deputy director, Directorate of Elementary Education.
The move comes two days after a large number of parents stated a protest at the Odisha State Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) office alleging irregularities in enrolment of students belonging to economically weaker sections (EWS) in private schools under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RCFCE) Act, in the current academic year.
The protesters, under the banner of Odisha Parents’ Federation, also sought formation of a special committee under the SME department to oversee the admission process of students under EWS quota.
They alleged that apart from allowing more time to private schools for registration and reducing the time limit of eligible students to apply under the scheme by at least three days, the authorities concerned have even rejected 8,101 applications received through Paradarshi portal. Claiming that documents submitted by these students were valid, the parents sought re-examination of the rejected applications.
