*Transparent digital process expands the Right to Education: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai**A total 14,403 children get admission in private schools under RTE; online lottery becomes an example of good governance*Raipur, April 15, 2026/Taking a significant and forward-looking step towards strengthening inclusive and quality education in Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has ensured the selection of 14,403 children for admission to private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act through an online lottery process. Launched virtually from Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhavan, this process stands as a strong example of transparency, equal opportunity, and digital good governance.Out of a total of 38,439 applications received from across the state, 27,203 applications were found eligible as per the prescribed criteria. Among these, 14,403 children have been granted admission to private schools through the online lottery system. The entire process has been conducted in a well-organized manner at the state level as per the pre-determined schedule, in the presence of School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav and senior departmental officials.Chief minister Shri Sai stated that education is a fundamental right of every child, and the state government remains fully committed to ensuring that no child’s progress is hindered due to financial constraints. “Our priority is to ensure that every child receives quality education with equal opportunities,” he said.It is noteworthy that under the provisions of the RTE Act, 25 percent of seats in private schools are reserved for children from economically weaker and disadvantaged sections. Through this initiative, the state government is continuously striving to bring the light of education to children at the last mile. Currently, more than 3.63 lakh students in the state are benefiting from this scheme.For the academic year 2026–27, the state government has increased the fee reimbursement amount under this scheme to Rs 300 crore, enabling more children to benefit and strengthening the admission process in private schools.The entire admission process is being conducted through digital means, ensuring complete transparency and technology-driven execution at every stage—from application to document verification and final selection. Parents can apply either independently or through Choice Centres. During the application process, the system displays details of private schools within a 1.5-kilometre radius of the applicant’s residence along with available seats, enabling informed and convenient selection.As per eligibility, children in the age group of 5.5 to 6.5 years are being admitted to Class I, with priority given to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Divyang (children with special abilities), and other disadvantaged groups. In schools where seats remain vacant, an offline lottery will be conducted at the district level, the details of which will be made available on the RTE portal.This initiative is not only fulfilling the educational aspirations of thousands of children but is also laying a strong foundation for an inclusive, transparent, and accountable education system in Chhattisgarh. The state government’s efforts mark a significant and visionary transformation in the field of education.
