Sonia Gandhi’s RTE stalls in Telangana even as BJP-ruled Delhi, Gujarat push 25% EWS quota

The Delhi Directorate of Education has opened its online admission portal for Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Disadvantaged Group and Children with Special Needs admissions under the Right to Education Act for the 2026–27 academic year, reaffirming the capital’s structured enforcement of the law’s 25 per cent quota in private unaided schools .

Under the system, all eligible private unaided schools, barring minority institutions, must reserve 25 per cent of entry-level seats, with admissions conducted through a computerised draw of lots . Parents can apply online and track allotments transparently a model that has institutionalised RTE implementation in BJP-ruled Delhi .

In contrast, Congress-ruled Telangana has yet to operationalise a comprehensive state-wide admission mechanism under the same provision. In July 2025 , the Telangana government issued guidelines stating that the 25 per cent quota would apply only in areas where government or local body schools are not available , and after verifying vacancies in public schools. The interpretation significantly narrowed the scope of the statutory mandate, limiting RTE admissions to selected pockets instead of enforcing uniform compliance.

The move drew scrutiny from the Telangana High Court , which questioned the state’s interpretation and sought clarification on compliance with the central legislation. The court observed that rights created by Parliament cannot be diluted through executive instructions , and directed the government to implement the quota in letter and spirit . Despite these observations, a uniform, state-wide admission process under RTE has not been fully rolled out.

The continued delay has been attributed to the Telangana Congress leadership , headed by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy , acquiescing to the apparent private school management lobby , resulting in prolonged inaction on enforcing the statutory quota. This has persisted even as state leaders frequently invoke and praise Sonia Gandhi , under whose stewardship the RTE Act was enacted.

Meanwhile, BJP-ruled Gujarat continues to run a state-wide online RTE admission system , publishing annual seat availability and conducting lottery-based allotments. The Gujarat High Court has upheld the validity of the 25 per cent quota, and admissions proceed each academic year despite administrative challenges.

The contrast underscores how political will and administrative resolve determine whether a centrally enacted welfare law translates into meaningful access for children from economically weaker backgrounds. As Delhi and Gujarat move ahead with annual RTE admissions, Telangana’s implementation gap keeps the promise of Sonia Gandhi’s Right to Education from being fully realised in the state. True homage and respect to Sri Sonia Gandhi lies not merely in praising her in political speeches, but in implementing her vision and legislation with conviction and urgency .