Maharashtra Government Withdraws 1km Distance Criterion for RTE Admissions
Nagpur: In a significant development for education access, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday formally withdrew the one-kilometre distance criterion for admissions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. This decision was communicated to the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, effectively allowing parents to apply for schools beyond the previously imposed geographical limit.
Court Hearing and Government Submission
The announcement came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenged a government resolution dated February 12, 2026, which had enforced the distance restriction under the RTE Act of 2009. The petition was filed by social activists Ashish Fulzhele, Aniket Kuttarmare, and Vaibhav Kamble, who argued that the criterion hindered educational opportunities.
A bench comprising Justices Anil Pansare and Nivedita Mehta was informed that the Primary Education Director in Pune has issued a fresh communication explicitly omitting the distance cap. The court had previously noted that the earlier communication was inconsistent with its directions and emphasized the need for strict adherence to statutory provisions that ensure free and compulsory education for all children.
Extended Application Deadline and Revised Procedures
Concurrently, the state government has extended the deadline for online applications for the 2026–27 academic year from March 16 to March 25. This extension aims to ensure wider participation and address issues of incomplete applications that have been observed so far.
In its submission, the state clarified that the restriction of "one kilometre from residence" has been completely removed. The court recorded this development and disposed of the petition, as the primary grievance of the petitioners was addressed. Officials indicated that only partial compliance has been achieved to date, with numerous applications remaining incomplete. To rectify this, authorities have been directed to mark such applications as "unconfirmed," enabling parents to review and resubmit them in accordance with the revised criteria.
Enhanced Online Portal and Parental Options
The Primary Education Director further clarified that even those who have already applied would be permitted to participate under the new norms. Parents who submitted their applications by the original March 16 deadline will be given the option to "unconfirm" and edit their forms before final confirmation. A notification system will be introduced on the online portal to prompt applicants to complete the confirmation process, ensuring a smoother and more efficient application experience.
"The extension has been granted to ensure that registration is completed 100% and that parents can fully avail the benefits under the scheme," stated the government in its official communication. This move is expected to significantly increase accessibility to quality education for underprivileged children across Maharashtra.
Legal Representation and Broader Implications
Senior counsel Jayna Kothari, along with advocates Payal Gaikwad and Dipankar Kamble, represented the petitioners in this landmark case. The withdrawal of the distance criterion marks a pivotal step towards enhancing educational equity, aligning with the core objectives of the RTE Act to provide free and compulsory education to all children aged 6 to 14 years.
This decision not only resolves the immediate legal challenge but also sets a precedent for other states to reconsider restrictive admission policies that may impede educational access. It underscores the government's commitment to upholding the statutory rights of children and promoting inclusive education across the region.
