Politicians purposely lowered public schools' standard: Sisodia

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday claimed before the Delhi High Court that many politicians have over the years opened their own private schools in the capital and have "purposely" lowered the standard of the public schools to their benefit.

Justice Manmohan was further informed by Sisodia that private unaided schools have become a hub of corruption as they are running admission rackets under the garb of management quotas.

Sisodia, defending his government's decision to scrap management and some other quota from private school admissions, said management quota was scrapped to check "unfair criteria".

The minister was present in court during the hearing of pleas of unaided private schools seeking quashing the January 6 circular that scrapped 62 criteria, including management quota, for nursery admissions.

He also submitted in a sealed cover list of documents and evidence given by parents who alleged some private schools of asking for money for admitting students. The court, however, asked him to take action against the schools which were demanding money from parents for admission.

"You (Delhi government) have evidence with you. Take action against those involved in malpractice. You have the documents with you from last three-six months, so you take action," said Justice Manmohan.

The court would continue its hearing on Monday.