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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court has expressed deep concern over the educational plight of over one lakh students in Delhi government schools within the North East district, where students receive only two hours of education per day or attend classes on alternate days.

Terming it an "alarming situation," the Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna observed that young children are being deprived of proper education due to inadequate infrastructure and facilities.

The court, in its order dated November 21, highlighted the urgency of addressing this educational crisis, emphasizing that such a state of affairs cannot be tolerated, especially for underprivileged children who represent the future of society.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the Delhi government's affidavit on the matter, the bench directed the government to file a detailed affidavit specifying the number of students in North East-I District schools, broken down by class, and outlining plans to adjust them to other schools.

"The affidavit of the Delhi Government shall indicate in clear terms as to the number of students that shall be adjusted from each school in the North East-I District to other schools, clearly detailing the schools to which such students will be adjusted," directed the court, demanding the government to address the issue within three weeks.

The court also directed the government to provide information on the availability of teachers for the relocated students, along with details on the number of classrooms and teachers in the receiving schools. It raised concerns about the disparity between high student enrollment and inadequate infrastructure in North East-I District, leading students to endure minimal education hours.

As per the government's status report, a new school building in Sri Ram Colony, Khajoori Chowk, is anticipated to be ready for possession by January 31, 2024. The report mentioned plans to shift students with nearby residential addresses to the new building upon completion.

The petitioner, NGO Social Jurist, a civil rights group, revealed that North East-I District accommodates 1,45,909 students across 48 schools in 25 buildings.

The petition highlighted specific schools like Sarvodya Kanya Vidyalaya and Sarvodya Bal Vidyalaya at Khajoori Khas, providing only two hours of education, and others, like Government Girls Senior Secondary School and Government Boys Senior Secondary School at Khajoori Khas and Sabhapur, calling students on alternate days.

The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on February 19, 2024.

Case Title: Social Jurist, A Civil Rights Group v. Government of NCT of Delhi