Delhi HC: We must not allow children from disadvantaged backgrounds to accept inequalities in education

The Delhi High Court has issued a series of directives to ensure equitable access to education for students from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Disadvantaged Group (DG) quotas in Delhi’s private schools. The Court clearly stated that “we must not allow children or their families from disadvantaged groups to accept inequalities in education as their social or natural fate.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, while hearing a batch of petitions related to EWS/DG admissions, directed schools to appoint a dedicated nodal officer to oversee the admission process for students under these categories. The court also mandated that all circulars and instructions regarding admissions be made available in both English and Hindi. Additionally, schools are required to provide a clear schedule specifying the date and time each student must report for admission.

The court highlighted challenges faced by students transitioning between the Junior and Senior Wings of the same school, often due to separate School IDs. Justice Sharma noted that such administrative hurdles and potential financial difficulties or lack of parental awareness can prevent families from pursuing legal remedies. The court stressed that these barriers are detrimental to children’s educational progress.

The judgment reaffirmed that the Right to Education (RTE) Act is designed to ensure that access to private education is not exclusive to affluent families. The court emphasized that all children, including those from the EWS/DG categories, deserve equal treatment and respect, and schools must ensure that these students do not feel less valued than their more privileged peers.

The court further stated that discrimination against children or parents seeking admission under the EWS/DG categories can have serious negative effects, undermining both the student’s sense of belonging and their self-esteem. Such inequality, whether deliberate or systemic, contradicts the principles of fairness and equal opportunity enshrined in the RTE Act.

“The foundation of a country is laid through the education provided to its children, as the strength of our nation’s future depends on the quality of education we offer today,” the court observed, adding that the RTE Act embodies a vision of securing a strong foundation for the nation’s future.

The court concluded by urging all stakeholders to work towards seamless integration of EWS and non-EWS students, ensuring an inclusive environment in schools that aligns with the spirit of the RTE Act.