Key Directives
- Nodal Officers: The Delhi High Court has mandated that every private unaided recognised school in Delhi appoint a dedicated nodal officer to oversee the admission process for students under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) or Disadvantaged Group (DG) category.
- Language Accessibility: Circulars, notices, and instructions related to EWS/DG admissions must be provided in both English and Hindi to address language barriers faced by many parents.
- Admission Schedule: Schools are required to prepare a clear admission schedule, following the allotment of students by the Directorate of Education (DoE). This schedule should distribute the total number of students evenly over a designated period, ensuring a seamless admission process.
Background
The court’s decision came in response to petitions from 10 individuals who experienced difficulties due to technical issues while seeking admission under the EWS/DG category. The court’s intervention aims to streamline the admission process and ensure that all entitled students can exercise their rights under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
Court Observations
- Equality in Education: The court emphasized that there should be no distinction between the dreams and aspirations of students from different economic backgrounds. It highlighted that the dreams of financially weaker students should not be presumed to be lesser in capacity or capability compared to those from wealthier backgrounds.
- Simplification of Process: The court’s measures are designed to simplify the admission process for underprivileged families, many of whom face educational and language barriers. Successful implementation of these directions is seen as crucial for upholding the rights of EWS/DG category students and ensuring their access to education.
Implementation
- Respect and Accessibility: The measures aim to ensure respectful and accessible admissions, reinforcing the spirit of the RTE Act by promoting the integration of EWS and non-EWS students in schools.
- Continued Entitlements: Petitioner students are entitled to continue their studies in their respective schools under the EWS/DG category, retaining all RTE entitlements.
The court’s decision is expected to address procedural challenges and enhance the educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students, fostering a more inclusive and equitable education system.
