India, March 9 -- Maharashtra's education department has directed 20 institutions in the state, whose minority status approvals are in abeyance, to reserve 25% seats for students from economically weaker sections (EWS) under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

The order was issued on March 4 by Sharad Gosavi, director of primary education.

The directive follows an order from the secretary and appellate authority of the minority development department, which temporarily suspended the minority status certificates granted to these institutions.

Sharad Gosavi, director of primary education, Maharashtra, said, "The minority status certificates granted to certain institutions have been kept in abeyance. As a result, these schools are now eligi...