HC directs school to give free winter uniforms to its poor students

New Delhi, Nov 28: The Delhi High Court has directed a private unaided school here to provide winter uniform, free of cost, to children from economically weaker section (EWS) who study there.

Justice Manmohan passed the interim order on a plea of nine EWS children who study at Vidya Bharti School. The petitioners have contended in their plea that being poor they are unable to purchase expensive books, uniforms and study materials which prevent them from getting quality education.

They have sought, in their plea that they are provided free books, uniforms and study materials saying they are entitled to the same under Delhi Right to Education Rules and the Right to Education Act. [No move to change NCERT textbooks: HRD Ministry]

The petition, filed through advocate Khagesh Jha, has said the representations, on behalf of the children, to the school as well as the Directorate of Education (DoE) on the issue of providing them free uniforms and books went unanswered, which prompted them to move the court. [25.03 lakh children with special needs enrolled in schools]

During the proceedings, Jha argued the school had supplied over-sized second-hand uniforms to some of the children. He also alleged there is no mechanism for grievance redressal in DoE and requested the court to direct the government for framing a mechanism for the same.

PTI