notifying the orphan children as a child belonging to disadvantaged group in relation to the UT of Andaman and Nicobar Islands UT of Chandigarh UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu and UT of Lakshadweep

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Education, through Notification S.O. 2271(E) dated April 29, 2026, has officially classified orphan children as a "child belonging to disadvantaged group" under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. This designation applies to specific Union Territories and aims to ensure that orphan children receive the benefits and protections provided by the Act in government-controlled schools. The notification was published in the Gazette of India on May 6, 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** **Legal Authority and Framework** * The notification is issued in exercise of powers conferred by clause (d) of section 2 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (35 of 2009). * The Central Government acts as the "appropriate Government" for schools established, owned, or controlled by it or by administrators of Union Territories without a legislature. **New Classification of Orphan Children** * Orphan children are now formally notified as a "child belonging to disadvantaged group" for the purposes of the RTE Act. * This status enables orphan children to access rights and provisions reserved for disadvantaged groups under the legislation. **Geographic Jurisdiction** * The notification specifically applies to the following Union Territories: * Andaman and Nicobar Islands * Chandigarh * Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu * Lakshadweep **Scope of Educational Institutions** * The provision applies to schools established, owned, or controlled by the Central Government. * It also extends to schools under the administration of the specified Union Territories. **Impact Analysis** **Orphan Children in Specified Union Territories** **Impact** They are now legally recognized as a "disadvantaged group," making them eligible for free and compulsory education and other specific benefits or quotas provided under the RTE Act. **Action Required** Eligible children or their guardians should apply for school admissions under the "disadvantaged group" category to avail themselves of the benefits. **Administrators of Union Territories (Andaman & Nicobar, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep)** **Impact** Administrators must ensure that orphan children are included in the definition of disadvantaged groups within their respective jurisdictions' educational frameworks. **Action Required** Update local educational guidelines, admission protocols, and enrollment records to reflect the inclusion of orphan children in the disadvantaged category. **Schools Established or Controlled by the Central Government/UT Administrators** **Impact** These institutions are now mandated to treat orphan children as part of the disadvantaged group during admission processes and resource allocation. **Action Required** Review and adjust admission policies to ensure orphan children are correctly categorized and prioritized as per the RTE Act's requirements for disadvantaged groups.

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