In a significant move to ensure financial transparency before releasing pending funds, the Haryana Directorate of Elementary Education has ordered a rigorous verification process for private schools claiming reimbursement for EWS students. With over 2,150 private schools across the state awaiting their dues for teaching children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), the department has directed District Elementary Education Officers (DEEOs) to scrutinize the claims thoroughly. The directive specifically mandates that officials verify whether the claimant schools possess valid recognition for the specific classes for which the funds are being sought.
According to the letter issued by the Directorate, the department has received claims from 2,153 schools under Rule 134-A of the Haryana School Education Rules. To validate these claims, district-level committees comprising the DEEO, Section Officer, and Block Education Officer (BEO) have been constituted. These committees are tasked with a strict deadline to complete the physical verification by February 8. A key stipulation in the order notes that if a school is recognized only up to Class V, claims for students in Classes VI to VIII will be summarily rejected. Additionally, the committees will verify the rural or urban categorization of the schools, as this classification significantly alters the reimbursement amount.
The verification process will also cross-reference student enrollment using Student Registration Numbers (SRN) and Management Information System (MIS) data to weed out any discrepancies. However, the move has drawn mixed reactions from school associations. Prashant Munjal, zonal president of the Haryana Progressive Schools’ Conference, expressed frustration over the repeated checks, noting that Rule 134-A was omitted in 2022, yet dues for students admitted prior to that remain pending. He questioned the need for fresh verification when the department already holds the recognition data.
Meanwhile, Satyawan Kundu, president of the Haryana Private School Sangh, highlighted broader grievances, stating that while the current reimbursement covers only up to Class VIII, there is a pressing demand for dues regarding students in Classes IX to XII. He also flagged issues with the CHEERAG (CM Haryana Equal Education Relief Assistance and Grant) Scheme, warning that the association may take a strict stand if these “petty issues” regarding claim rejections are not resolved. DEEO Ambala, Jyoti Sabharwal, confirmed that her team is acting swiftly on the directorate’s orders to ensure genuine schools receive their arrears on time.
