New Delhi: The Delhi government has decided to grant recognition to private unaided schools functioning in non-conforming areas, paving the way for nearly 20,000 additional seats for students from economically weaker sections (EWS), disadvantaged groups (DG), and children with special needs (CWSN).

Education Minister Ashish Sood said the move resolves a decade-old issue that left hundreds of schools without formal recognition due to procedural delays and what he termed the “discriminatory approach” of previous administrations.

“For over a decade, this issue remained buried in files while children were denied their right to education. Under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, we have ended this selective discrimination. This reform ensures justice for our children and fairness for institutions,” Sood said.

Nearly 500 private schools are expected to come under the Directorate of Education (DoE), which will ensure legitimacy and regulatory oversight. Each year, about two lakh students apply under EWS, DG, and CWSN categories for 40,000 seats, but many remain vacant due to limited recognised schools.

The DoE has announced that its online portal will accept applications from November 1 to 30, 2025, for schools seeking recognition in both conforming and non-conforming areas. Applications will be reviewed based on a 73-point checklist covering legal, infrastructural, and safety parameters.

Recognition will be granted only after detailed inspection, while failure to comply could invite penalties under the Right to Education Act, including fines up to ₹1 lakh and ₹10,000 per day for continued violations.

Calling the move a “landmark decision,” Sood said it would legitimise school operations, expand educational access, and reinforce transparency and accountability in Delhi's education system.