RTE Shockwave: 8,000 Poor Students Allegedly Shut Out as ₹19 Crore Rolled In

RTE Quota Bypassed? Seventh Day School Accused of Excluding 8,000 Eligible Students Amid Rs.19 Crore Fee Collection

The Seventh-day Adventist Higher Secondary School in Ahmedabad is currently under direct government administration following a series of serious financial, legal and ethical controversies that culminated in a state takeover in December 2025. What began as fee-related complaints has now evolved into one of Gujarat’s most high-profile education scandals.

Rs.19 Crore Fee Controversy: What the Inquiry Found

Official reports from the District Education Officer (DEO) and state-level investigations traced major financial irregularities back to the 2017–18 academic year.

Authorities alleged that the school collected nearly Rs.19 crore in fees during that year through unauthorized practices. Investigators found instances of fee collection in cash — a direct violation of norms set by the Fee Regulatory Committee (FRC) under the Gujarat Self-Financed Schools (Fee Regulation) Act, 2017.

Further scrutiny revealed alleged profiteering through the forced sale of books on campus. Under state law, schools are prohibited from mandating in-house book purchases. Audited accounts reportedly showed undeclared profits of approximately Rs.1.59 crore from these sales alone, raising questions about financial transparency and regulatory compliance.

RTE Admissions Row and Minority Status Dispute

Beyond financial concerns, the school faces serious allegations related to violations of the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

Investigations suggest that between 8,000 and 10,000 students may have been affected over the years due to the school’s refusal to implement the mandatory 25% reservation for students from economically weaker sections (EWS).

The institution claimed exemption under minority status provisions. However, authorities stated that the school failed to produce a valid minority status certificate for its primary section. A 2025 probe reportedly identified 11 major RTE-related violations, including the alleged use of invalid or “fake” minority certificates to bypass admissions obligations.

In addition, discrepancies were found in the handling of minority scholarship applications and fund disbursement over the past five years.

Turning Point: Campus Tragedy and State Intervention

The situation escalated dramatically in August 2025 following the fatal stabbing of a Class 10 student on campus. The tragic incident triggered a high-level government inquiry into the school’s overall administration.

According to officials, the probe uncovered patterns of “misrepresentation and cheating,” extending beyond the earlier financial and admissions allegations.

On December 15, 2025, the Gujarat government invoked Rule 104(2) of the Bombay Primary Education Rules to assume administrative control of the institution. The Ahmedabad City DEO was appointed as the administrator.

Legal Battle in High Court

The school management has challenged the state’s action in the Gujarat High Court, arguing that the takeover violates its constitutional protections as a minority-run institution.

While existing students continue their education under government supervision, authorities have barred the school from admitting new students until further notice.

A Case That Raises Larger Questions

The takeover of the Seventh-day Adventist School has sparked broader debates about:

• Regulation of self-financed schools

• Oversight of minority institution claims

• Enforcement of RTE mandates

• Financial transparency in private education

As the legal battle unfolds and investigations continue, the case could set an important precedent for how state authorities address compliance failures in private and minority-run institutions.

Further developments are awaited as proceedings continue in the Gujarat High Court.