Give free uniforms to EWS students, HC directs govt

“The government is insensitive. It thinks it is doing a favour to poor children by providing them Rs 500-700 for uniforms. This amount may be sufficient for summer uniforms. What about winter?” the court said.

The court also noted that the schools were being given Rs 1,290 per child for books and uniforms and asked whether schools which got land at concessional rates were supplying facilities to EWS students. “It’s your obligation under the Right to Education Act. How can you say you are not responsible,” the court said, after the counsel for the schools stated that as per their lease agreement with the government, they are only required to provide free tuition, not free uniforms and books.

Private unaided schools also told the court that schools which had received land at concessional rates were not being provided any subsidy by the government.

“Only 400 schools are on subsidised land, the rest are getting reimbursement. What facilities are you giving,” the court said.

The court suggested that the government should supply free uniforms to children in government and government-aided schools as well as EWS students in private unaided schools. “Open a Delhi Bureau to supply uniforms to EWS students,” the court said.

The court will now issue detailed directions on the issue to DoE and private schools on October 9.