HC reserves order on PIL for EWS category in play schools

The Delhi High Court today reserved its verdict on a PIL seeking directions to the city government to ensure Right to Education Act with respect to 25 per cent reservation for poor children is implemented by play schools running on land alloted at concessional rates.
A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw also directed the Directorate of Education (DoE) of the Delhi government to submit an affidavit on the aspect of reimbursement which is to be provided under the Act to such institutions for providing 25 per cent reservation to kids of economically weaker sections (EWS).

The court was hearing the plea filed by NGO Social Jurist which had sought implementation of Right to Education Act in play schools and nurseries, saying they are alloted land by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) at concessional rates.
While reserving its order, the court observed that there should be some regulation to ensure EWS category is implemented, "especially in view of the largesse given to them (schools)".
"Else cancel the land alloted to them," the bench added.
It also queried whether any punitive action has been taken against any such school which has failed to admit students under the EWS category.

In response, the Delhi government said that it has not received any complaints.
DDA submitted that as per the 2021 Master Plan of Delhi, there is no concept of nursery schools.
The authority also said that if DoE verifies that an institution has not implemented the provisions of the Act, it can cancel their allotment.