Madhya Pradesh: Over 300 Schools Drop Out of RTE Scheme in Indore, Severely Impacting Access to Free Education
Over 300 Schools Drop Out of RTE Scheme in Indore, Severely Impacting Access to Free Education
TINA KHATRI
The number of schools participating in the RTE program dropped sharply from 1,739 in the 2024-25 academic session to just 1,415 in 2025-26, a significant reduction of 324 schools. This sharp decline threatens to limit access to education for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, undermining the very purpose of the RTE Act.
The recent decline in RTE (Right to Education) school allocations in Indore will leave thousands of underprivileged children with fewer options for free education.
The primary reason behind this alarming drop is the mounting regulatory challenges faced by private schools, particularly smaller institutions that form the backbone of the RTE program. Several newly introduced rules and fees are pushing these schools to their breaking point.
Private schools in Madhya Pradesh face several challenges under new regulations. These include a mandate for registered lease agreements to renew recognition, which many rural schools cannot meet.
Additionally, a security deposit of ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 for renewal has placed a financial strain on small schools. Stricter recognition standards also make it difficult for long-standing schools to obtain permanent recognition. Finally, a new rule reducing the lifespan of school buses from five years to two years has added further financial pressure, particularly for schools with limited bus routes.
SCHOOLS IN PROVISIONAL LIST FOR RTE 2025-26
Small private schools, often the most affordable options for low-income families, are hit the hardest. These institutions have historically played a crucial role in fulfilling the RTE Act’s mission, offering affordable education to children who might otherwise be excluded from the formal education system. However, with rising operational costs and increased regulatory hurdles, many of these schools are finding it increasingly difficult to continue participating in the RTE scheme.
Call for Government Intervention
Madhya Pradesh Private School Association has appealed to the state government to ease these burdens. In a letter signed by Association President Subidh Kumar Sharma and Vice-President Gopal Soni, the group urged the government to reconsider the new regulations and provide relief for smaller schools. They called for support measures similar to the exemptions granted under the 2022 Fee Act, which offered relief to schools charging fees below ₹25,000.
The letter stressed on the importance of providing a level playing field for small private institutions and ensuring that they can continue to serve underprivileged children, as intended by the RTE Act.
TINA KHATRI
The number of schools participating in the RTE program dropped sharply from 1,739 in the 2024-25 academic session to just 1,415 in 2025-26, a significant reduction of 324 schools. This sharp decline threatens to limit access to education for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, undermining the very purpose of the RTE Act.
The recent decline in RTE (Right to Education) school allocations in Indore will leave thousands of underprivileged children with fewer options for free education.
The primary reason behind this alarming drop is the mounting regulatory challenges faced by private schools, particularly smaller institutions that form the backbone of the RTE program. Several newly introduced rules and fees are pushing these schools to their breaking point.
Private schools in Madhya Pradesh face several challenges under new regulations. These include a mandate for registered lease agreements to renew recognition, which many rural schools cannot meet.
Additionally, a security deposit of ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 for renewal has placed a financial strain on small schools. Stricter recognition standards also make it difficult for long-standing schools to obtain permanent recognition. Finally, a new rule reducing the lifespan of school buses from five years to two years has added further financial pressure, particularly for schools with limited bus routes.
SCHOOLS IN PROVISIONAL LIST FOR RTE 2025-26
| # of Schools | Area |
|---------------|-----------------|
| 127 | Depalpur, Indore|
| 251 | Indore Rural |
| 359 | Indore Urban |
| 399 | Indore Urban 2 |
| 146 | Mhow, Indore |
| 133 | Sanwer, Indore |
Impact on Small Private Schools and Education AccessSmall private schools, often the most affordable options for low-income families, are hit the hardest. These institutions have historically played a crucial role in fulfilling the RTE Act’s mission, offering affordable education to children who might otherwise be excluded from the formal education system. However, with rising operational costs and increased regulatory hurdles, many of these schools are finding it increasingly difficult to continue participating in the RTE scheme.
Call for Government Intervention
Madhya Pradesh Private School Association has appealed to the state government to ease these burdens. In a letter signed by Association President Subidh Kumar Sharma and Vice-President Gopal Soni, the group urged the government to reconsider the new regulations and provide relief for smaller schools. They called for support measures similar to the exemptions granted under the 2022 Fee Act, which offered relief to schools charging fees below ₹25,000.
The letter stressed on the importance of providing a level playing field for small private institutions and ensuring that they can continue to serve underprivileged children, as intended by the RTE Act.