The Delhi High Court has sought a reply from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on a petition alleging denial of admission to children of Kapsahera by nearby government schools, and has suggested that the government could consider launching a “mohalla education” scheme on the lines of its “mohalla clinics” initiative .
‘In violation of law’
The plea, filed by parents of 35 students, claimed that the children, in the age group of 6 to 14, have been denied admission by nearby Delhi government schools in violation of the provisions of Right of Children to free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
“The schools have kept them out on the ground of non-production of residence proof, original transfer certificate and report cards. Some other reasons were, not having a bank account and age-related problems. Another excuse was that the last date of admission was July 31,” the plea stated.
A Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C. Hari Shankar issued a notice to the Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) and fixed the matter for further hearing on September 22.
The DoE is the department under the Education ministry of the Delhi government that manages the city’s public school system.
The court said the government should facilitate the admission of the students and sought a status report on the matter. “Like you [Delhi government] have mohalla clinics, do mohalla education,” the Bench said.
The AAP government’s mohalla (neighbourhood) clinics scheme aims to provide accessible healthcare.
The PIL sought a direction to the government to forthwith grant admission to students in neighbourhood government schools in age-appropriate class.