Can't supply school uniforms for students, only subsidy: Delhi govt to HC
The issue stems from a 2013 petition highlighting the failure to provide free uniforms as mandated under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The High Court has consistently directed that uniforms be supplied physically rather than by transferring money to families.
In its latest submission, the Education Department cited 'operational difficulties' and said the matter had been placed before the Council of Ministers.
As per the Cabinet decision taken on May 10, 'The Council of Ministers approved the proposal of the Education Department for revision of rates of school uniform for students of Delhi government schools through the direct bank transfer (DBT) mode, due to operational difficulties in providing it in kind.'
It added: 'The Council of Ministers further directed the Education Department to approach the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi accordingly.'
The government informed the court that students in Classes I-V will now receive Rs 1,250, those in Classes VI-VIII will receive Rs 1,500, and those in Classes IX-XII will receive Rs 1,700.
These revised rates, which were notified on June 10, will apply to students in government and aided schools, as well as to children from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Disadvantaged Group (DG) categories studying in private schools under the RTE and Freeship quota.
The previous rates of Rs 1,100, Rs 1,400 and Rs 1,500 respectively had remained unchanged since 2017-18.
However, the petitioner, Justice For All, a Delhi-based NGO, has argued that the increase is 'meagre' and that the subsidy continues to be misused by families instead of being spent on uniforms.
The Directorate of Education told the court that the rates were calculated after a market survey using wholesale prices. A uniform kit at wholesale cost typically includes two sets of clothing, a sweater, socks, shoes, a belt; in the case of girls, it includes a suit or dupatta.
While the Cabinet approved the revised figures, the department has said it will continue to disburse the subsidy through the DBT mode for at least one more year.
The matter has been listed for hearing in September.
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