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Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Punjab: RTE admission stalled, pvt schools cite lack of reimbursement norms
Private unaided schools in Punjab appear to be stalling the admission of children from disadvantaged and economically weaker sections under the Right to Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, citing delays in the issuance of per-child reimbursement notification and admission guidelines. A non-governmental organisation, the Action Committee for RTE Act, in a letter to chief secretary KAP Sinha and top officers of the school education department on July 14, highlighted the continued non-implementation of the RTE Act's provisions despite the court ruling. (HT File) The Punjab and Haryana high court had, in its order dated February 19, directed all private unaided recognised schools in the state to reserve 25% of their Class 1 seats for children from weaker and disadvantaged sections in the state. The court also ordered the state government to ensure strict enforcement of this direction in the 2025-26 academic session. The school education department followed up the court's ruling with instructions to DPI, elementary education and all district education officers (DEOs) on March 20, but with little effect, as complaints continue to pile up against private schools for delaying or refusing admissions to children from economically weaker sections (EWS). A non-governmental organisation, the Action Committee for RTE Act, in a letter to chief secretary KAP Sinha and top officers of the school education department on July 14, highlighted the continued non-implementation of the RTE Act's provisions despite the court ruling. 'Thousands of eligible children are being denied admission to unaided private schools, and no steps are being taken by the state government to enforce the legal provisions,' wrote the action committee, a group of social activists, along with a list of 78 eligible children from weaker sections who were denied admissions in recent weeks. Of them, 27 children are in Mohali, 10 in Ropar, six in Bathinda, five in Patiala, four in Amritsar, three in Ludhiana and two each in Gurdaspur and Mansa. Jagjit Singh Dhuri, president of the Federation of Private Schools and Associations, attributed the delay in admitting children to the non-issuance of admission guidelines and the notification for per-child reimbursement by the state government. 'Private schools are not against implementing the RTE provisions, but it is not feasible for them to admit children without a clear mechanism for admissions and reimbursement. We have repeatedly requested the state and district authorities to do the needful,' he claimed. Section 12(2) of the RTE Act requires the government to reimburse all private schools for reserving 25% of their entry-level seats for children from EWS and disadvantaged groups. In many states, private unaided schools receive reimbursement equal to either the per-child expenditure incurred by the state in government schools or the actual amount charged from the child, whichever is lower. While a member of the management of a private school in Mohali said that the authorities in most states notify the per-child reimbursement before June 30, the education officer (elementary) of a district in the state, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he was awaiting instructions from the department regarding admission and reimbursement to schools. According to the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) data, Punjab has 7,704 private unaided recognised schools. It may be recalled that the RTE Act 2009 mandated private schools to admit in class I children from weaker sections and disadvantaged groups in the neighbourhood to the extent of 25% of the strength of that class, and to provide free and compulsory elementary education till its completion. However, the then government in the state framed the Punjab RTE Rules in 2011, providing that children from disadvantaged groups must first seek admission in government schools, and they could approach unaided schools for admission only after getting a no-objection certificate from government schools on the ground of non-availability of seats or other reasons. As a result, there were no admissions of children from disadvantaged groups in private schools in the state under the RTE Act. However, the high court in February this year struck down Rule 7(4) of the Punjab RTE Rules, 2011 and ordered immediate implementation of the EWS quota. Last week, the court also issued a notice to the state government on a public interest litigation seeking a CBI investigation into Rule 7(4) of the Punjab RTE Rules. The petitioner, former IAS officer Jagmohan Singh Raju, asserted that Rule 7(4) was 'unconstitutional, corrupt, and deliberately crafted' to serve the commercial interests of private schools at the cost of disadvantaged children's rights. The matter has been fixed for September 22.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Road dust and vehicles major polluter, not industry: Pb orders new study for steel hub
1 2 Chandigarh: In a policy shift aimed at aligning air quality management with scientific evidence, the Punjab govt has decided to revise its 2019 action plan for clean air in Mandi Gobindgarh—Punjab's largest steel manufacturing hub—by commissioning a fresh source-apportionment study and carrying-capacity assessment through a reputed scientific institute. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by chief secretary KAP Sinha following a representation submitted by the All-India Steel Rerollers Association (AISRA). The association urged the govt to re-evaluate the action plan based on the findings of a 2023 source-apportionment study conducted by IIT-Delhi, which presented a revised, evidence-backed scenario that significantly altered the understanding of pollution sources in the city. AISRA pointed out that the original 2019 action plan was based on in-house projections by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), which estimated that industrial emissions contributed 50% to ambient air pollution, while vehicular emissions and road dust together accounted for 35%. These estimates led to stringent regulatory actions focused primarily on the industrial sector. However, the 2023 study by IIT-Delhi, conducted specifically for Mandi Gobindgarh, revealed a different pollution profile. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Seniors Born 1939-1969 Receive 11 Benefits This Month If They Ask Super Saving Online Undo It found that vehicular emissions contributed 35%, industrial emissions 26%, and road dust a significant 37% to PM2.5 concentrations in the city. During the meeting, it was acknowledged that Mandi Gobindgarh—along with eight other cities: Dera Bassi, Nangal, Patiala, Khanna, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Pathankot, and Amritsar—was declared non-attainment cities by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), based on PM10 ambient air quality data from 2011–2015. In response, PPCB prepared 'clean air action plans' in 2019 for all nine cities. However, due to time constraints, detailed source apportionment and carrying capacity studies were not carried out. Instead, the 2019 plan for Mandi Gobindgarh relied on internal estimates that placed industrial pollution at 50% and vehicular emissions at 15%. The 2019 plan also mandated the conversion of coal-based industrial units to cleaner fuels like PNG/CNG. PPCB was directed to promote this shift, while the state govt was advised to reduce VAT on cleaner fuels to make the transition financially viable. The initial deadline for conversion, March 31, 2021, was later extended to Dec 31, 2023, due to practical challenges. Following this, PPCB commissioned IIT-Delhi to conduct both a 'particulate matter carrying capacity study' (submitted in Sept 2021) and a source-apportionment study (submitted in Sept 2023). During the July 2025 meeting, it was acknowledged that the 2023 IIT-Delhi study had certain limitations and did not fully capture changes that took place since 2019, including the installation of air pollution control devices by several industries and demographic shifts in the area. Given these facts, the govt concluded that a fresh, scientifically robust study—conducted by an independent and reputed institute—is essential to reflect the current pollution scenario and to guide future amendments to the action plan and state fuel policy. PPCB has been entrusted with initiating this process and submitting a revised strategy before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which is hearing a case concerning violations of air quality norms by coal-fired furnaces operating in Mandi Gobindgarh. PPCB issues 120 closure notices According to the latest status report filed by PPCB, of the 258 industrial units in Mandi Gobindgarh, 113 adopted PNG/LPG, 34 closed permanently, electricity supply was disconnected to 96 units, and pollution-causing machinery was sealed in 52. Additionally, three units switched to induction heating using electricity. The report also noted that PPCB issued 120 notices under Section 31-A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, directing industries to shift from coal to PNG, failing which their electricity supply would be disconnected. As of now, 24 of those units ceased operations, while the remaining 96 are still required to comply.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Gmada proposes Rs 800/sq yard cut in enhancement charges for sectors 76–80
1 2 3 Mohali: In a potential relief to over 30,000 plot allottees in sectors 76 to 80, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (Gmada) has proposed a reduction of Rs 800 per square yard in enhancement charges. However, the proposal awaits final approval as the state government seeks a comparative review of how other regional development authorities calculate similar charges. The decision came during a Gmada executive committee meeting chaired by Punjab chief secretary K A P Sinha, who also heads the committee. The meeting was held at the PUDA office in Sector 62 on Thursday. Before moving forward with the proposed reduction, chief secretary Sinha directed Vikas Garg, principal secretary of the housing and urban development department, to conduct a comparative analysis of enhancement charge models adopted by the Noida Housing Authority and Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) at Panchkula. Enhancement charges refer to the additional compensation paid to landowners for acquired land, which is subsequently recovered from the plot allottees whose plots are carved out on that land. The contentious issue has been a longstanding concern among allottees, many of whom have questioned the rising charges and administrative delays in their calculation. According to the agenda presented at the meeting, Gmada is currently charging Rs 3,164 per square metre (approx Rs 2,645 per square yard) and now proposes to revise it to Rs 2,364 per square metre (approx. Rs 1,864 per square yard). The revised rates — if approved — would offer a relief of around Rs 800 per square yard to thousands of allottees. The proposed revision will be re-evaluated after studying the enhancement formulas used in Noida and Haryana, and the findings will be placed before the committee in the next executive meeting for final approval. Historical data reveals that in 2013, the enhancement rates were significantly lower — between Rs 700 and Rs 850 per square yard, depending on plot size. The current steep rates are attributed to the compounded interest accumulated over the past decade, a result of administrative delays in Gmada's processing and finalisation of enhancement calculations. The move signals an effort by the state to strike a balance between compensating original landowners and offering financial relief to plot allottees, while ensuring that Punjab's urban development authorities remain aligned with practices in neighbouring states. Plot owners in the affected sectors have welcomed the possibility of a revision but remain cautiously optimistic, awaiting the final nod from the Gmada executive committee.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Gmada to acquire 2,600 acres of land across Mohali to curb mushrooming of unauthorised colonies
MOHALI : In a significant push towards curbing the mushrooming of illegal and unauthorised colonies, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (Gmada) is set to acquire land across the city. The Punjab govt has approved the acquisition of nearly 2,600 acres of land across various sectors for commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential use. The decision was taken during a meeting of the executive committee of Gmada here Friday. It was chaired by state chief secretary KAP Sinha. As per the plan, 236 acres will be acquired in Sector 87 for commercial purposes, 313 acres in Sector 84 for institutional projects, and 321 acres in sectors 101 to 103 for industrial use. The biggest chunk — 1,800 acres — will be acquired in sectors 120 to 124 along the PR-7 road for residential development. The acquisition is expected to begin within a month, pending final approval from chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who also heads the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority. A senior Gmada official confirmed that with this move, no Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions will be granted to private developers in the targeted areas. "This will ensure regulated development and curb the unchecked spread of unauthorised colonies," he explained. Particularly in sectors 120 to 123, several unauthorised colonies have mushroomed across nearly 50 acres in villages like Daun, Raipur, Behlolpur, Barmajra, Tarauli, and Jhampur. These were carved out of agricultural land without CLU approvals or the required official clearances. The chief administrator has directed officials to submit a report within two days to fix responsibility for such violations. Authorities have also been instructed to use Google satellite imagery to identify illegal constructions and take immediate legal action. The move is seen as a firm step towards enforcing urban planning norms and preventing haphazard growth in one of Punjab's fastest developing regions.
Hindustan Times
07-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
GMADA to acquire 2,600 acres in big growth push for Mohali
In a significant step to further Mohali's growth, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) will acquire 2,600 acres of land across multiple areas for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional development. The decision was taken during a meeting of GMADA's executive committee on Friday, chaired by Punjab chief secretary KAP Sinha. The land acquisition, aimed at accelerating urban expansion in Mohali, is expected to begin within the next month. According to the committee's decision, 236 acres will be acquired in Sector 87 for commercial use, 313 acres in Sector 84 for institutional purposes, 321 acres across Sectors 101 and 103 for industrial development, and a substantial 1,800 acres in Sectors 120 to 125 along the PR-7 road for residential projects, serving the increasing demand for housing. No more CLU permissions for private builders A senior GMADA official said, 'It has been decided to acquire 2,600 acres of land across different sectors. As a result, going forward, no Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions will be granted to any private builder in these areas. The decision will now be sent to Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, who also serves as chairman of the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority, for final approval.' Subsequently, a formal notification will be issued under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, announcing commencement of land acquisition. In lieu of the land acquired, land owners will be offered residential or commercial site plots under the Punjab government's land pooling policy. Further, sites will be carved out of the land acquired and allotted through public auctions. The GMADA official further emphasised that the acquisition in Sectors 120 to 124 was aimed primarily at curbing the proliferation of unauthorised colonies. Last month, Hindustan Times had reported the emergence of unauthorised colonies, covering nearly 50 acres across Sectors 120 to 123 and in villages such as Daun, Raipur, Behlolpur, Barmajra, Tarauli and Jhampur. These colonies were reportedly carved out of agricultural land without securing the mandatory CLU clearances, which require steep fees and official approvals. GMADA officials confirmed that development activities remained a top priority and that efforts to promote planned and legal growth will continue to be strictly enforced across the region. Aerotropolis also moving ahead after green nod Adding another chapter in Mohali's growth, GMADA's ambitious Aerotropolis project has received environmental clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, paving the way for development of a world-class township. GMADA's seventh urban residential project, Aerotropolis will come up on more than 5,500 acres in the vicinity of Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport on both sides of the Banur-Zirakpur road. The other six townships include Aerocity, Knowledge City, IT City, all in the vicinity of the airport, and EcoCity, EduCity and MediCity in New Chandigarh, Mullanpur. The authority is pumping in ₹1,000 crore in Aerotropolis's capital development before launching the project. An extension of Aerocity, it will comprise both commercial and residential plots in four pockets – A, B, C and D. Expected to be around 8,500 in number, the residential plots will range from 100 to 2,000 square yards. The master plan also features expansive parks, sports complexes, shopping arcades, healthcare centres and green corridors—offering residents a holistic, high-quality urban living experience.
