New Delhi, 9 April 2024: The Delhi High Court slammed the education department for the deplorable condition of government schools in the city’s northeast district, labeling the situation as a “very sad state of affairs.” The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, highlighted a myriad of issues based on a comprehensive report by lawyer Ashok Agarwal, which included findings of broken desks, a severe lack of classrooms, and insufficient supplies of books and writing materials.
During the proceedings, the court stressed the urgent need for action beyond mere public announcements, urging officials to proactively address these glaring deficiencies. The Secretary of Education, present at the hearing, acknowledged the report’s accuracy and committed to immediate remedial measures.
Justice Manmohan criticized the education department for its passive approach, emphasizing that the responsibility for such conditions impacts the future of countless children. The discovery of 144 children crammed into a single classroom and some schools operating from tin structures, especially under high temperatures, was particularly alarming. The court linked the neglect of these schools to broader societal issues, suggesting a correlation between inadequate education and increased crime rates.
In response to these concerns, the education secretary assured the court that there was no lack of funds for improvements. Promises were made to supply essential materials and relocate students from the inadequate tin building to a more suitable environment shortly.
The court has demanded a detailed affidavit from the Secretary of Education by April 23, outlining the steps to be taken and assigning accountability for the oversight. This action follows a public interest litigation filed by NGO Social Jurist, represented by Agarwal, which highlighted the adverse impact on over one lakh students’ education due to inadequate educational infrastructure and limited instructional time.
This case underscores the crucial need for systemic reforms within Delhi’s public education system to ensure that every child has access to quality education, a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution of India.
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