Pune: As part of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, aimed at providing free and compulsory education to children, a significant milestone has been achieved in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

A total of 9,373 children from the urban and rural areas of the district have successfully gained admission to various schools. Despite this progress, challenges remain, with 934 children being denied admission and 40 others yet to initiate contact with their selected schools.

The RTE Act, designed to ensure every child's right to education, had shortlisted 16,337 children in Pune city and district for free admission across 970 schools. So far, 9,373 children, accounting for 36.67% of those selected, have been admitted, according to District Education Officer (Primary) Sanjay Naikade.

Admissions Breakdown by Area in Pune City:

• Pune City: 98

• Aundh: 785

• Bibwewadi: 615

• Hadapsar: 664

• Yerawada: 350

• Akurdi: 1002

• Pimpri: 588

Admissions Breakdown by Taluka in the District:

• Ambegaon: 87

• Baramati: 376

• Bhor: 70

• Daund: 177

• Haveli: 2436

• Indapur: 270

• Junnar: 198

• Khed: 559

• Maval: 471

• Mulshi: 50

• Purandar: 123

• Shirur: 454

• Velhe: 0

Legal Action Against Schools Denying Admission

Despite the clear mandate of the RTE Act, some schools have been found to be denying admission to eligible children.

District Education Officer Sanjay Naikade emphasized that these schools will face legal action for not complying with the act. The authorities are committed to ensuring that every child gets the education they are entitled to.