“Management Quota Seats for Nursery Admissions in Delhi: Allegations of Donation Demands Surface”
In Delhi, the management quota for nursery admissions remains a contentious issue despite efforts to bring transparency. Management quota seats, typically ranging from 5% to 20%, have raised concerns among parents. While the city government has been working to streamline the admission process, parents have complained to school associations about the practice of schools requesting donations for seats under this quota if they fail to secure a spot through the lottery system.
Reliable Source, confirmed that some schools are indeed asking for donations to reserve management quota seats, although very few schools actually use the quota for its intended purpose. In essence, parents may be paying to secure seats meant for the management committee members of the school.
In response to these concerns, a principal of a private school in East Delhi defended the management quota, explaining that it is often misunderstood. The principal emphasized that the management quota does not require parents to pay donations but is intended for those who can volunteer to assist students with vocational courses starting from class 5. These volunteers could come from various sectors, like IT professionals or those owning businesses, such as garment shops, who can help guide students in fields like computer science or garment manufacturing.
However, some parents criticized this explanation, pointing out that the school did not mention the management quota on its website before the lottery draw took place. They questioned the timing of the announcement and its relevance after the draw had already been conducted.
The issue of the management quota dates back to a strong stance taken by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who, seven years ago, labeled the quota a “scam” and a way to exploit parents. He argued that the quota reduced the number of seats available to the general public. Despite the Delhi government’s efforts to abolish this practice, the matter went to the Delhi High Court, which ruled in 2016 that the autonomy of private unaided schools regarding nursery admissions should not be restricted by government orders, though it acknowledged that any malpractice should be thoroughly investigated.
The principal of the East Delhi school reiterated that the management quota is designed to allow parents to volunteer in vocational education programs and help students beyond nursery admissions. However, the controversy over this practice continues, with parents questioning both the transparency and the fairness of the system.