HC pulls up govt on school grant

The Sadhubella Education Society filed a contempt petition against the government following the non-implementation of an earlier high court order of 1989. Though other girls’ schools in the state were entitled to the grant-in-aid, the SES school-cum-junior college was denied grant-in-aid in June 1984, the society maintained. The institution initially moved the court in 1988. The court set aside the cancellation of the grant-in-aid. Even after they served a certified copy of the order to the Education Secretary, there was no response from the department. The concerned officials did not acknowledge the petitioners’ reminders, not even the legal notice sent in April 1990. Meanwhile, the lack of aid had adversely affected the payment of staff salaries and administrative expenses of the school.

Then Education Officer, Zilla Parishad, Thane, agreed to pay grant-in-aid to the school for the year 1988-89 within six months. However, this assurance violated the court directive which ordered payment since June 1984. The school filed a contempt petition.Advocate Pai was the state counsel while N H Gursahani represented the school management. The petition was withdrawn after Pai assured payment of grant.