Parents allege lack of transparency in Plus One admissions in Salem

Updated on: Saturday, June 11, 2011

Parents in Salem have been left in the lurch with most schools refusing to give preference for existing students in Plus One admissions. Schools say that the admission process will be based on merit, regardless of which school the student belongs to. Given this firm stand that city schools have taken, many parents have been forced to seek Plus One admissions in other schools.

Recently, about 100 residents staged a demonstration, blocking traffic on Four Road, to protest the Plus One admission process. Sub-inspector Samuvel Kennedy eventually intervened and managed to disperse the crowd.

There are 208 higher secondary schools, including nine government schools, 21 aided schools and 78 self-financing schools in Salem revenue district. "There is no transparency in most aided and private schools regarding Plus One admissions. School authorities did not disclose the cut-off marks for math and science. The cut-off marks seem arbitrary, and the seats are sold to the highest bidder. How can they deny admission to their own students?," says Maadeswaran, a driver, who's son has been denied plus one admission in Little Flower Higher Secondary School. His son, who has been in the same school since class 1, failed to get Plus One seat in his school. The management simply told his parents that the admissions were over. "It is too late now to get admission in another school. The government should take action to resolve this issue," Maadeswaran said.

When contacted, principal of Little Flower school, S Arulappan, denied that they were selling their seats. "We had been taking students only on the basis of merit. However, moving forward, we will give priority to our own students too," he said.

"Schools want to improve their Plus Two results. In addition, with new students, they make more profit," said the headmaster of a government higher secondary school, who preferred to remain anonymous. The government had not fixed the cut-off marks for math and science. There is a rule that schools should give preference to their own students, but the management thinks otherwise, he said.

Parents say that most schools are not transparent about their Plus One admission procedures. They do not disclose when the application forms are issued and when they need to be submitted. Parents also feel that the lack of monitoring by the Education Board, has contributed to this situation.

"The admission process must be transparent. Schools should not deny admission to their own students. Three years ago, we had instructed schools about the admission process. We will take immediate action to ensure transparency," said Salem CEO N K Raajarajan.

Times of India

Parents allege lack of transparency in Plus One admissions in Salem

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