A view of the Delhi High Court in New Delhi. file | Photo credit: The Hindu
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The high court had on February 6 asked the Delhi government why it had allegedly not complied with its earlier order directing it to supply free books and uniforms to the concerned students. economically weaker sections (EWS) category.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma was hearing a batch of petitions related to supply of these resources to students from weaker sections and disadvantaged groups in schools in New Delhi and implementation of the provisions of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory. Right of Children to Education Act, 2009 and Delhi Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2011.
EWS judgment and Pandora’s shadow
The court was informed that despite the order directing such supply, the Delhi government is not complying with it.
“The court has (earlier) directed the Delhi government to provide free text books, uniforms and stationery to EWS category students. A fresh affidavit should be filed as to why the earlier order of the court was not complied with.
The counsel for the Delhi government said it would file a reply in the matter and asserted that the intent of the law is to provide relief to the children in a “kind” manner.
In August 2014, the High Court had said that it was the duty of the state government and schools to ensure that children belonging to the EWS category were provided free textbooks, uniforms, etc.
It was then noted that out of a total of 68,951 EWS category children studying in private schools in the session 2014-15, about 51,000 children were also without textbooks and uniforms. The High Court had observed that such a position was “wholly unacceptable”.