Following a scrutiny of the government gazette, the Archbishop, acting on behalf of Catholic bishops in the state, has given the go-ahead for admissions, said Bishop Oswald Gracias, spokesperson for the Archbishop's House. Fr Dias's instructions have been couriered to all Catholic institutions, he added.

``We express relief that the legal and temporary suspension of the Pre-Primary Act will enable several hundred parents and children to exercise their right to choose the kind of education they want in the current year, while upholding the rights of minorities to administer educational institutions of their choice. At the same time, given the broader issues of humanrights, children's rights and fundamental rights of minorities, which were ignored by the Act, we look forward to the government finding a permanent solution by either withdrawing the Act altogether or by suitably amending it,'' said Fr Dias.

Those seeking admission have also been warned against approaching institutions bearing Christian names which purport to be `convent-run', but are not connected with the Catholic Church.

Said Father Dias, ``Applicants to Catholic institutions have been further warned of unscrupulous intermediaries who, for personal gain, offer to intervene on their behalf.'' Applicants have been asked to submit any such information and details in writing to the Special Vigilance Cell at the Archbishop's House on 21, N Parekh Marg, Colaba.

``To keep the admission process free of intermediaries, managers and principals have been instructed to ensure that any attempt to bring influence from any quarter results in disqualification of candidature,'' he added.