Jhunjhunu: Around 1,000 private school operators across Jhunjhunu district protested Tuesday against repeated inspections of private schools through the Raj Shala Sambalan app, pending payments under RTE and other demands.Private schools remained closed as operators and staff took out a rally from Gandhi Chowk to the Collectorate and submitted a memorandum addressed to the chief minister and the school education minister.District president of the Private Shikshan Sansthan Sangh, Surendra Ahlawat, said rules harming the education system were being imposed on private schools. He said recognition is granted only after a detailed inspection by a competent committee.“It is not appropriate to conduct repeated inspections every few months as our focus shifts from teaching to arranging documents and inspection. Our main work is to provide quality education to the children, so inspection can be done once a year,” he said.On RTE payments, Ahlawat said private schools provide free education to 25% of children as per govt and court directions, but reimbursements have been pending for years. He said, “The govt pays one-third of the fees, but even that has been stalled for two years. It becomes difficult to pay staff salaries, run the school and meet other expenses. RTE payment should be made before the end of the same session in which the children are taught.”Operators also demanded the district transport office and vehicle fitness centre be run from one location to avoid inconvenience during school vehicle fitness tests. The association said if demands are not met soon, the agitation will be expanded statewide.
