Thousands of children legally entitled to free admission in private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act were missing out—until IAS officer Manjunath Bhajantari stepped in. His reforms have transformed admission procedures in Jharkhand, making them more accessible, fair, and transparent for families across Ranchi and beyond.
- Digitised RTE admission process for transparency
- Introduced public lotteries to ensure fairness
- Took action against illegal private school fee hikes
What happened
Manjunath Bhajantari, an IAS officer serving as Deputy Commissioner in Ranchi, Jharkhand, recognized that despite the legal provision of free education under the Right to Education Act, many children were being excluded from private schools due to opaque admission practices. To address this, he implemented digital admission processes, eliminating the traditional bottlenecks and manual errors that limited access.
His reforms included the introduction of public lotteries to allocate seats, ensuring fairness and transparency in a system that was previously prone to biases and manipulation. Additionally, he enforced compliance among private schools, including elite institutions, making sure they adhered to the RTE regulations and prevented illegal fee hikes, which previously kept many deserving children away.
Why it feels good
This work is a powerful example of how good governance is less about launching new policies and more about effectively implementing existing rights to benefit the people who need them most. Bhajantari’s efforts have ensured that the promise of free education under the RTE Act is no longer just a law on paper but a lived reality for hundreds of families.
By making the admission process transparent and fair, he has restored trust in educational institutions and governance bodies alike. The crackdown on illegal fees has not only reduced financial burdens but also reinforced the principle that quality education should be accessible to all children, regardless of their background.
What to enjoy or watch next
Those interested in education reform can explore more about the Right to Education Act and how digital tools are revolutionizing admissions in other parts of India. Watching stories of change-makers like Manjunath Bhajantari highlights the impact dedicated public servants can have in improving everyday lives.
For families navigating the school admission process, following these transparent systems brings hope for fair treatment and better access to quality education. Communities may also advocate for similar reforms in their districts to ensure every child has a genuine chance to study and grow.