Neighbourhood Dilemma

Updated on: Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Two days after TOI reported about St Anne’s High School in Fort allegedly giving instructions that only those pre-primary section applicants who live in specific areas would be entertained, another south Mumbai school has come under the scanner for taking a similar approach. Parents who visited Queen Mary School on V P Road said they were surprised to see a notice board that mentioned such rules.

“The notice states that only those from areas like Malabar Hill, Tardeo, Girgaum, Grant Road, Worli, Cumballa Hill, Kemps Corner, Marine Drive and Pedder Road could apply. Any other application will not be considered,” said a parent who resides in Mazgaon. He further said that several others were disappointed after reading the notice and returned home. “They are ready to admit students from Girgaum and Worli, but not from Mazgaon,” said another parent.

When TOI contacted the Queen Mary School, the principal said, “We are simply following the rule which asks us to give first preference to those students from the neighbourhood. However, we have still given out admission forms to just about anybody who came to our school.” She added that once the school finishes this round of admissions for children from the neighbourhood,
they will accept forms from other localities as well.

Educationists are now blaming the government for the confusion that is brewing in several schools during the ongoing pre-primary admissions season. “Since there is no clarity on the Right to Education Act rules, schools as well as parents are totally confused. While schools are only following the rules, parents are also unaware about the admission guidelines,” said a school principal under the condition of anonymity. Principals are also complaining that they are worried about falling on “the bashing end” in this entire situation.

In the meanwhile, Yuva Sena activists met up with officials of St Anne’s High School in Fort over the admission issue.

School authorities, though, remained unavailable for comment.

Neighbourhood Dilemma

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