Children belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) are not being given admission in private schools even when their names appear for admission. The High Court has expressed displeasure over this.
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The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Delhi government to ensure admission of children from weaker sections of the society in private unaided schools. delhi high court said that it is high time that the judiciary reaches out to the people without waiting for them to approach it. The court said that these children are being forced to approach the court to avail their fundamental right to education.
The court said that all private unaided schools concerned shall ensure that any student belonging to ‘weaker sections’ as defined in the Right to Education (RTE) Act and recommended by the Directorate of Education (DOE) for admission in any academic session not be denied admission or treated in a manner unwelcome to them.
The counsel appearing for the children belonging to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) who were denied admission by several schools pointed out that even the school gates were closed for the selected students and their parents.
Institutions not following the rules
Justice Chandra Dhari Singh said in his judgement, one can imagine the humiliation faced by the young children and their parents. This Court, as the guardian of the Constitution, cannot remain mute to the violation of human rights by the institutions engaged in the noble service of imparting education. The court said that these petitions show that the provisions of the RTE Act as well as the instructions or circulars issued by the DoE are being violated.
It is the crime of children to be born in poverty.
The court said, these children have not committed any other crime except that they are born in poverty. The conscience of this court is burdened by the sufferings of the poor children and their parents. The situation is appalling and painful. It is a travesty of justice and a complete failure by the government in the discharge of its duties.
The court said, in view of the aforesaid analysis as well as for issuing directions to the DOE regarding ensuring admission of poor children belonging to weaker sections to ameliorate the pitiable situation in the NCT of Delhi regarding the implementation of the RTE Act at the primary education level. It is proper for this court to exercise its powers under Article 226 of the Constitution.
EWS children are not being given admission
The petitions were filed for admission of students belonging to EWS category under Section 2(e) of the RTE Act in various private unaided schools at the primary level. These EWS category students have been given letters by the DoE of the Delhi government, confirming their admission in the respective schools in the national capital under the scheme of the RTE Act.
These letters were issued as per the draw conducted by DOE and the result was communicated to all the schools as well as to some lucky children belonging to EWS category who were selected by such draw. Despite the children having letters for admission from the DOE, the schools denied them admission.
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