Punjab government has taken a key step toward implementing Section 12(1)(c) of the Right to Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. This section mandates private unaided schools to reserve 25% of entry-level seats (e.g., nursery, pre-primary, or Class 1) for children from economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups.
In a significant move towards educational equity, the Punjab Education Department has launched a dedicated online portal to implement the long-delayed 25% reservation quota for children from economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups in private unaided schools.
All private schools to register on portal
The portal, accessible at www.rte.epunjabschool.gov.in, requires all private schools in the state to register by January 12, 2026. Schools must provide mandatory details, including annual fees, entry-level class, total seats, and the number of seats reserved under the quota.
“This is the first concrete step towards enforcing Section 12(1)(c) of the Right to Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009,” a senior education department official told reporters. The portal will become fully operational from the 2026-27 academic session, enabling transparent online admissions where parents can view available seats and apply directly.
The development follows intense pressure from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which in February 2025 struck down a 2011 state rule that had effectively blocked the implementation of the RTE quota by requiring EWS children to first seek admission in government schools.
Political leaders hail initiative
AAP Punjab and Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney praised Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains for the step, calling it a major boost for families below the poverty line.While private school associations have in the past raised concerns over reimbursement delays and operational challenges, no immediate strong opposition has emerged following the portal’s launch.
Its heartening to note that Punjab initiates first step to reserve 25% seats in pvt schools for disadvantaged groups. Kudos to dynamic education minister @harjotbains . This is the way to support BPL families to ensure education of their children in private schools at par with…
— Vikramjit Singh MP (@vikramsahney) January 8, 2026