Bhavan Vidyalaya, Sector 27, and Strawberry Fields, Sector 26, have admitted just a single student under this scheme, while Baptist School, Sector 45, failed to provide the details to department officials during the inspection.

St Stephen’s School, Sector 45, with a total strength of 2,000 students had admitted only 26 students under the scheme — which amounts to a mere 1.3 per cent. Manav Mangal School, Sector 21, has admitted three students while St Joseph’s School in Sector 44 admitted seven.

Private schools have a history of discriminating against underprivileged students. Last year, parents of economically poor students at St John’s School had protested after school authorities did not allow their wards in regular classes. Instead, the children were asked to study in special evening classes. Recently, the KBDAV also set up a special section for students under this category.

Talking to Newsline, Director Public Instructions (Schools), S K Setia said: “Now, the schools are under pressure to comply with the reservation norms and we are trying to help them identify the eligible students. The plea taken by most schools for not admitting such students is that no one has approached them for admission.”

Clarifying his stand, Atul Khanna, Director of Strawberry Fields said: “We don’t mind admitting economically poor students but not many have approached us. At present, we have around four students under this category.”

Recently, Sanjay Public School was issued de-recognition notices by the education department for various discrepancies, including non-compliance with the scheme. A notice was issued to Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Sector 27, today and Shivalik Public School, Sector 41, is already under close scrutiny.