HYDERABAD: The state govern ment on Friday issued orders providing 25 per cent seats to the students from weaker sections in Class I of private schools that are affiliated to the state board, CBSE, ICSE and other boards as a part of the implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Academicians termed the move an “eyewash” as the admissions into private schools have already closed for the year.

A child whose parents belong to the Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe categories, orphans, children with special needs and HIV affected/infected children are eligible to claim the quota.

Children from Backward Class, minorities and Other Castes categories, whose parents earn less than Rs 60,000 per annum, can also claim the reservation.

Of the 25 per cent seats, five per cent should be allotted to orphans, HIV-affected and physically-challenged children, 10 per cent should be allotted to SCs, four per cent to STs and six per cent to the BCs, minorities and OCs.