HT Correspondent, Hindustan TimesNew Delhi, December 20, 2012
The Delhi government has finally stepped in to do away with all ambiguity regarding the upper age limit in nursery admissions that start from January 1 next year. In a meeting of the State Advisory Board convened by Education minister Kiran Walia, it was decided that the upper age limitof a child for admission in nursery would be 3 years 11 months and 30 days.
In the guidelines that were released on December 13, only the minimum age limit, i.e. 3+ years was mentioned.
"There was a lot of ambiguity in terms of age with some schools not admitting students who were close to four years old. There is now a clear guideline on age," said Amit Singla, director, Education.
Another important decision that will affect the admission procedure is the suggestion that neighbourhood be given the maximum points in the points system for admission.
"It was decided in the meeting that schools will give the maximum points for neighbourhood in keeping with the Supreme Court's order that children in the neighbourhood be given the first priority," said MS Rawat, member of the Advisory Board and general secretary of the Federation of Private Schools, Delhi.
The meeting also opened the doors for schools to start second shifts provided they are not run for commercial purposes. Schools have been demanding second shifts in the city for a long time now to meet the demand for admissions.
"The minister has agreed to let schools open second shifts provided we follow the RTE there as well and that the morning staff and principal be different from the evening staff and principal. This step will go a long way in improving the educational prospects of students," said Rawat.
A committee will be formulated to look into the matter opening of second shifts in
private schools, a statement issued by the Delhi Government said.
"That the upper age limit has been fixed is a matter of relief for many parents as a number of schools were not giving admission to kids who were older than three and a half years. This is victory for many such parents. The limit, however, seems a little stringent, especially for those who did not get admission last year and are now 4 years old. Getting admission in KG is very difficult," said Sumit Vohra, founder admissionsnursery.com, a portal for parents.
