Plea in HC claims EWS students forced to pay for ‘exorbitantly priced’ books, uniforms

In the PIL, Sahni has highlighted the “ongoing commercialisation and systemic exclusion occurring in private unaided schools” affiliated to the CBSE, underlining that in these schools students are prescribed private publisher books.

Highlighting the price disparity, Sahni in the petition, argued that private publisher books cost up to Rs 12,000 annually, while the NCERT books are available under Rs 700.

Commenting on the “exorbitant rates of the books and uniform”, advocate Amit Prasad, appearing for the petitioner, told the court, “Education which was supposed to be free, requires payment through books and uniform, which run in over Rs 10,000-12,000.”

Arguing that the pricing of the books excludes children belonging to economically weaker and other disadvantaged group (EWS/DG) admitted under the RTE (Right to education) Act, Sahni sought that the court direct the concerned authorities to ensure that no school shall compel parents of EWS/DG students to purchase private publisher books, uniforms or kits.

Sahni further sought the framing of rules, and regulations to enforce the same.

The hearing comes against the backdrop of the Delhi government, in response to a separate 2013 petition, informing the High Court earlier this month that it will not be able to provide school uniforms in kind to students this academic year-— despite previously assuring the HC it would do so before the new academic session. The High Court has consistently directed that uniforms be supplied to the students instead of transferring money to families for the purpose of buying uniforms.

The bench on Wednesday issued notice to the authorities and has now kept the matter for further hearing on November 12.

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