LUCKNOW, May 8 -- Two days after Hindustan Times reported the expanding reach of the Right to Education (RTE) Act in Uttar Pradesh, the state government released additional data spotlighting the role of smaller districts in boosting private school admissions for students from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

According to fresh figures issued by the basic education department on Thursday, Basti district recorded the highest RTE admission rate at 93%, followed by Hardoi with 90% and Etah at 88%. Balrampur, Budaun, and Shrawasti jointly followed with 87% admissions. Officials said these districts have emerged as key contributors in implementing the RTE mandate at the grassroots level.

The updated data came shortly after HT published its...