Express News Service By

BENGALURU:It has not been a week since the Department of Public Instruction began receiving applications for Right to Education (RTE) seats, but some of the private schools in the city have already refused to admit these candidates.

National Public School (NPS) and Vani School have submitted to the Block Education Officer concerned that they would not receive applications. Confirming this, department sources told Express that NPS claims it has been given linguistic minority status by the Central government and so, cannot provide seats under RTE. But as per rules, only the state government can grant an institute linguistic minority, not the Centre. Sources said NPS is rejecting applications for two of its branches at Rajajinagar. The school had not given admissions under RTE quota in 2014-15 as well.

Sources said the authorities have no intention of accepting NPS’ claim and its minority certificate. Director of Primary Education K Anand said the authorities would write to the Centre for a clarification.

K P Gopalkrishna, chairman of NPS Group, said, “Last year, we did not give seats because the matter was in court. This year, the Centre has given us minority status.”

Meanwhile, Vani School in Basaveshwara Nagar has not given a reason for not accepting applications. A department official said notices would be send to both the schools.