The Supreme Court verdict upholding the constitutional validity of the Right to Education (RTE) is welcome. But the exemption of minority-run unaided private schools is controversial. This will lead to institutions rushing to get themselves listed under this category. Another issue is that the RTE may deter private players from starting new schools. Thus, in case of a consequent shortage, the government should step in to ensure there are enough schools to accommodate all children.
N Ramamurthy Chennai
