Pimpri : The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has launched a comprehensive initiative to bring out-of-school children back into the education system. The PCMC Education Department, with the support of volunteer organizations earlier in July, began a detailed survey to identify these out-of-school children. Principals were instructed to collaborate with volunteers to ensure these children are enrolled under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

The education department has prepared an inclusive three-phase program to re-enroll out-of-school children. 

Phase 1: includes immediate enrollment of out-of-school children. In this phase, the PCMC Education department has instructed school principals to enroll as many children as possible, especially from vulnerable areas.

Currently, 109 children, identified as the most vulnerable (those without birth certificates or Aadhaar cards), have already been enrolled out of the 522 out-of-school children identified. The goal is to complete the enrollment of all remaining children by October 20, 2024.

Assistant Commissioner Vijaykumar Thorat stated, "Our goal is to remove any obstacles that prevent children from attending school. We work closely with principals and volunteers to make the enrollment process seamless and efficient. Every child deserves access to education, and we are here to ensure that happens."

Phase 2: Data Collection for Birth Certificates

Following the initial enrollment by October, PCMC will collaborate with local hospitals to facilitate the issuance of birth certificates for these children. A ward-wise schedule will be created, and school principals, along with the School Management Committees, will play a key role in collecting and verifying accurate data for this process.

Additional Commissioner Pradip Jambhale Patil commented, "This initiative is not just about numbers; it’s about ensuring every child’s fundamental right to education. By collaborating with various stakeholders, including hospitals and volunteers, we are making sure that no child is left behind."

Phase 3: Aadhaar Card Generation

Once the birth certificates are issued, the next phase will involve generating Aadhaar cards for children who lack them. This will be coordinated with the Aadhaar authorities, and schools will receive instructions accordingly.

Additionally, PCMC plans to issue an ‘Education Guarantee Card’ for children who migrate to other states, ensuring their seamless enrollment in government schools across the country.

Sangeeta Bangar, Administrative Officer of the Education Department, emphasized, "It is essential that no child is deprived of their right to education due to bureaucratic or procedural delays."

Key Highlights of the Initiative:

Phase 1: Immediate enrollment of 522 identified out-of-school children (Target Completion: October 20, 2024)

Focus: Prioritizing children without birth certificates and Aadhaar cards

Current Progress: 109 children enrolled

Phase 2: Data collection for issuing birth certificates in collaboration with local hospitals

Phase 3:Aadhaar card generation for students without identification

Education Guarantee Card: To support migrating children in their future enrollment at any government school in India

"Education is the foundation for the future of our society. No child should be deprived of their right to education due to a lack of documentation or any other barriers. We are committed to ensuring that every out-of-school child in the PCMC area is enrolled and has access to quality education," said PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh.

RTE Act

As per Section 4 of the RTE Act, every child under six years of age must be enrolled in an age-appropriate class. Section 5(3) ensures that no child is denied admission due to missing documents, and Section 14(2) reiterates that no child should be refused enrollment in the absence of age proof, stated a press release.