Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Feb 24: In terms of Karnataka Education Act 1983, a child needs to complete three years ten months of age for admission into LKG and five years ten months for the first standard. This condition is being made compulsory with effect from the year 2017-18.

The department of public instruction has already conveyed to the head teachers of schools about the need to stick to this stipulation without fail. The need to strictly adhere to the age norm has arisen because of admission into some play schools at an early age, and rejection by some schools for failure to comply with age norm. There are allegations that in some schools children are admitted even if they are below the stipulated age.

As per the circular now issued, all schools including aided and unaided private schools have to follow the age rule failing which they will face strict action.  However, an exemption has been given to students who have already got admission last year and those who were admitted into LKG and UKG classes previously.

The circular also says that every child in the age group of six to 14 has the right to free and compulsory education.  Therefore, the schools cannot reject admission for absence of birth certificate of the child. In their absence, they can obtain self-declarations from the parents and admit the children.

Many have welcomed this move, considering that parents have been seen pushing their children into schools very early, thus robbing them of their childhood.