POOR CHILDREN IN RICH SCHOOLS: A STUDY OF IMPLEMENTATION OF 25% FREE EDUCATION TO CHILDREN BELONGING TO ECONOMICALLY WEAKER SECTIONS OF SOCIETY UNDER SECTION 12 (1) C RTE 2009 IN PRIVATE AND PRIVATE AIDED SCHOOLS OF CHANDIGARH

This research paper is a part of a research study funded by ICSSR under its scheme IMPRESS. In the present descriptive survey study, an attempt has been made to study the compliance of admissions of EWS category students as per RTE 2009 and dropout rate amongst EWS students in private schools of Chandigarh. To understand the quality of education and the classroom learning environment, their perception regarding school, teacher behaviour, peer relationship, and classroom learning were studied in this study. Total 88 EWS category students from 18 unaided recognized private schools of Chandigarh were interviewed. Their responses were analysed using a simple percentage method. It has been found that the overall percentage of enrolments under RTE Section 12 (1) (c) has increased over the years. But still, it is far from achieving the target of reserved 25% seats under this provision. Large number of seats remain vacant under this quota. However, no major dropouts were reported amongst EWS students. The study has revealed that EWS category students have positive perception about the school. They have a conducive learning environment in the school, where they freely communicate, share things with their teachers and classmates.