Editor Mr.Mayank Rawat ( Chief Editor Mr. Rohit Mishra )
New Delhi: Delhi govt has issued strict instructions to private schools in Delhi, directing them not to demand money from students admitted under EWS, DG or CWSN categories for providing uniforms, books and writing material. A helpline number has also been notified to address grievances and complaints.
Private schools in Delhi have faced repeated legal challenges over violations of EWS quota, which aims to ensure equitable access to education for underprivileged children. Despite the regulations, many parents have voiced concerns about their struggles to access the benefits intended for their children under EWS category.
“Anyone found violating the order will face strict action. We will ensure parents are not cheated,” said education minister Ashish Sood on Wednesday.
The Directorate of Education (DoE) issued the order after it received several complaints from parents.
“On several occasions, it is observed… that many of the private unaided recognised schools do not provide free books, uniforms and writing materials to EWS/DG/CWSN children, and demand money from parents to provide these,” stated the DoE order.
“All DDE (districts) are directed to ensure the compliance of directions issued by the department and take appropriate action on the grievances registered by EWS/DG/CWSN parents,” it added.
Complaints can be lodged at ddeact1@gmail.com or via helpline 9818154069. In 2016, Delhi govt issued a warning to private schools, prohibiting them from charging money for uniforms and books from EWS students after receiving numerous complaints from parents. In 2023, Delhi High Court stated that Delhi govt must provide uniforms to EWS students, rather than offering cash allowances.
Several parents TOI spoke to raised concerns over not being able to avail benefits. For instance, Rajesh, father of a Class I student in a south Delhi school, shared his difficulties in obtaining the uniform promised to his child.
“The school was supposed to provide a complete uniform for my child, and I was assured of this while enrolling him. However, when I went to collect the uniform, I was only given a shirt and a belt. The school told me I would have to purchase the shoes, shorts and socks. This has placed a heavy burden on my limited monthly income of Rs 8,000,” he said.
Laxmi, another parent, recalled her experience when her daughter was admitted to a school under EWS quota.
“When I went to collect my daughter’s books in the first year, I was asked to pay upfront, with the assurance I would be reimbursed later. While I did receive some reimbursement, it was only a quarter of what I spent. When I questioned this, I was told that was all they could offer,” she said.
Other parents have faced similar issues with school fees and the pricing of school material. “At first, the school provided free books and uniforms, but soon they began asking us to pay. It got worse when they insisted we buy everything directly from the school. For example, a T-shirt that costs Rs 200 outside was priced at Rs 800 at the school,” one parent claimed.
Private schools in Delhi are required to reserve 25% of seats for children from EWS, disadvantaged groups, and those with special needs, as per provisions of RTE Act. The Act entitles students from these categories to free books, uniforms and writing materials. However, parents continue to face challenges in securing the promised benefits.
Mayank Rawat
