Delhi High Court Orders Immediate Action to Improve MCD School Conditions

The Delhi High Court has instructed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's Director of Education to inspect five schools and submit a report on remedial steps to address their poor conditions. The directive follows a report revealing issues such as broken furniture, teacher shortages, and flooding in classrooms.

The Delhi High Court has mandated the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's Director of Education to visit five schools and provide a report on necessary remedial actions to improve their deteriorating conditions.

The bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan issued the order after a report highlighted numerous issues, including broken desks and chairs, a shortage of teachers, and classroom flooding.

Justice Tushar Rao Gedela also directed the authorities to ensure uniform distribution by August 15 and supply desks and chairs to the schools immediately.

Social Jurist, represented by Advocate Ashok Agarwal, presented a report indicating substandard conditions in MCD primary schools, including one with tin-shed classrooms and a teacher shortage.

The advocate also noted a lack of funds for furniture procurement due to the unformed MCD Standing Committee and highlighted that over 1.37 lakh students had yet to receive uniforms.

The court demanded a response from the MCD counsel regarding these findings and instructed to streamline school supplies processes. The court ordered that either uniforms or cash be provided to the students by August 15.

Further, the Director of Education is tasked to ensure desks and chairs are available at the earliest. The MCD counsel reassured the court that the necessary supplies would be provided promptly.

This order comes in response to a PIL by Social Jurist, aiming for statutory financial benefits for students through operational bank accounts.

The case is slated for the next hearing on September 12.

(With inputs from agencies.)