The development assumes significance as some schools had been found violating the norm set by the Administration which prescribes that students from the EWS should comprise 15 per cent of the available student strength.

Talking to Newsline, Director Public Instructions (Schools) Samwartak Singh said, "It is a serious matter which needs timely intervention. Schools have been citing one reason or the other to deny admission to poor students. But we have made sure that this time schools follow the Administration guidelines."

He said that since the admission season is already underway, they have instructed the schools to keep a record of the admitted students.

"Once the admissions are over, schools will have to furnish a thorough data of students admitted. Officials from the department will scrutinise the documents to ensure that the 15 per cent norm is followed," said Singh.

He added that the committees formed to supervise the admission procedure will not look 'directly' into the procedure as the accounts section of the department will assist in supervising admissions in schools.

According to last year's data available with the department, many schools did not admit students from the EWS, as directed by the Administration.

While the department failed to take any action against the erring schools, it says, this year it is determined to check any contravention. "Schools breaking the rule will be dealt with strictly. The course of action will be taken as per law," maintained Singh.