Students, parents, and education activists across Visakhapatnam have raised a unified voice demanding strict and transparent implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Concerns have emerged over alleged inconsistencies and a lack of awareness regarding the admission process under the RTE quota in private unaided schools.

The RTE Act, which mandates 25% reservation for children from economically weaker sections (EWS) in private schools, has often faced issues in on-ground implementation. In Vizag, several parents reported difficulties in securing seats for their children despite meeting eligibility criteria. Many cited lack of proper guidance, delayed admission updates, and insufficient outreach by school authorities.

Local NGOs and educational forums have joined the movement, organizing awareness drives and demanding that authorities ensure all schools publish clear RTE-related information, including seat availability and selection procedures. They are also advocating for online application assistance centers and grievance redressal mechanisms at the district level.

“There needs to be greater transparency and accountability,” said Anuradha, a parent from Gajuwaka. “Many parents are unaware of deadlines and their rights under RTE. It’s time the government ensures every eligible child gets a fair shot at quality education.”

Education officials have acknowledged the complaints and assured that steps are being taken to audit school responses and improve the digital RTE portal interface for the upcoming academic session.

The call for action reflects a growing civic engagement in ensuring equitable education access in Visakhapatnam — a city striving to bridge the gap between policy and practice.