Delhi Schools Ordered to Provide Free Essentials to EWS Students

The Directorate of Education in Delhi has mandated private schools to provide free uniforms, books, and writing materials to economically weaker sections, disadvantaged groups, and special needs students, emphasizing compliance with the Right to Education Act. Non-compliance will result in actions under applicable education laws.

The Directorate of Education instructed private schools in Delhi to furnish economically weaker sections (EWS), disadvantaged groups (DGs), and students with special needs (CWSN) with free uniforms, books, and writing materials. This directive follows complaints from stakeholders who accused private schools of charging fees for these essentials, against the rules.

Per the Delhi Right to Education Rules, 2011, and a notification from December 2013, all private unaided recognized schools must comply with the mandate according to the Right to Education Act, 2009. The Directorate has warned that schools ignoring this directive will face consequences under the Delhi School Education Act and the Right to Education Act.

District education directors have been tasked with enforcing compliance and addressing grievances. The Directorate emphasizes that no financial demands may be imposed on students from these categories for educational materials, ensuring adherence to the outlined regulations.

(With inputs from agencies.)