Don’t charge EWS students for books and uniform: Delhi Government warns private schools

The Delhi government is on an education high these days. Just recently the government released its budget which allocated almost 23% to education, a virtually unheard of proportion in recent times. Once again, the government is seen in a favourable light as it has issued a warning to private schools against demanding money for providing books and uniform to students admitted under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category.

The warning of “strict action” came in the light of several parents complaining in this regard. “Several complaints have been received from parents and stakeholders of EWS/DG category that many of the private unaided recognised schools are refusing to provide free books, uniform and writing materials to the children and demanding money for providing these materials which is causing great hardship to parents,” the Directorate of Education (DoE) said in a communication to principals.
 
“The refusal of the schools has been taken very seriously. We have therefore, directed to provide free books, uniform and writing materials to EWS/DG children admitted/studying in the schools. Non-compliance with the direction shall invite action as per the provisions of extant rules,” it added. This becomes especially important if seen in the context of the provisions of the Right to Education Act, 2009, which says that students admitted under EWS and Disadvantaged Group (DG) categories are entitled to free books, uniform and writing material.

The government had last month increased the amount reimbursed to private schools for each admission under the 2 categories following complaints from the school heads about the amount being too less. The new amount is Rs 1,598 as against the previous limit of Rs 1,290.

In another first by the Delhi government, over 26,600 seats were allotted using computerised draws under the EWS category for the ongoing admission for entry level classes.

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