The Rajasthan government has officially expanded the scope of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE), enabling a larger number of children to secure free admission in private schools across the state. The move is aimed at strengthening access to quality education for economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups, reinforcing the constitutional commitment to universal elementary education.

Under the RTE framework, private unaided schools are mandated to reserve 25% of seats at the entry level for children from economically weaker and socially disadvantaged backgrounds. With the latest expansion, the eligibility criteria and coverage have been widened, allowing more families to benefit from free education in recognized private institutions.

Officials from the Rajasthan education department stated that the decision is intended to bridge educational inequality and ensure that children from underprivileged backgrounds have access to better infrastructure, trained teachers, and enhanced learning environments. By expanding the scheme’s scope, the government aims to improve enrollment rates and reduce dropout numbers, especially in urban and semi-urban areas where private schools often offer comparatively stronger academic facilities.

The expansion is expected to benefit thousands of additional students in the upcoming academic sessions. Parents who qualify under the revised guidelines will be able to apply through the state’s centralized online portal, which streamlines the admission process and enhances transparency. The government will continue reimbursing private schools for the admitted students’ tuition fees as per prescribed norms.

Education policy experts view the decision as a significant step toward inclusive growth. They note that providing access to private schooling under RTE not only improves academic opportunities but also promotes social integration by bringing together students from diverse economic backgrounds in a shared learning environment.

However, some private school associations have previously raised concerns regarding delayed reimbursements and administrative challenges under the RTE framework. In response, state authorities have indicated that efforts are being made to improve payment timelines and simplify documentation processes to ensure smooth implementation.

The expansion also aligns with broader national education reforms focused on strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy, in line with goals outlined under the National Education Policy 2020. By widening access at the primary level, the Rajasthan government aims to create long-term improvements in educational outcomes and workforce readiness.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay updated on official notifications regarding application deadlines, documentation requirements, and seat allotment procedures. Awareness campaigns are also expected to be conducted to ensure that eligible families are informed about the revised provisions.

The expansion of RTE in Rajasthan reflects a continued commitment to equitable education. By opening more doors to private school classrooms, the state government seeks to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent children from accessing quality education and a brighter future.