Most students of classes 1 and 2 yet to get textbooks: MCD affidavit in Delhi HC

A public interest litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Social Jurist in the Delhi HC earlier this year had said that MCD school students and those under the Delhi government’s Directorate of Education (DoE) are “being deprived of statutory benefits like uniform, writing material, notebook, scholarship etc”.

In its affidavit, the MCD has said that textbooks for Class 3 students are in the printing process “due to the change in syllabus of this class, which has resulted in the delay.” It added that the MCD is working to ensure the supply of all textbooks to schools on or before May 20, and directions have been issued to the school heads that they are to be distributed by May 31, even though MCD schools have closed for summer vacation on May 10.

“Additional study material” in the form of workbooks of the SCERT (State Council of Educational Research and Training) and worksheets developed by the MCD have been provided to the students, read the affidavit.

The MCD has also said in its affidavit that 5,00,882 students or 75.69 per cent of the total enrolment of 6,61,737 students have bank accounts to receive direct benefit transfers for the purchase of notebooks, stationery, and uniforms. As many as 1,60,855 students do not have bank accounts as of May 10. With camps organised by banks on school premises, the MCD is attempting to get bank accounts opened for all the students by June 15, the affidavit added.

The matter is listed for next hearing on Wednesday.

In April, the Delhi HC had said that there is a “ring of truth” in the statement of Minister of Urban Development Saurabh Bharadwaj, who said that any increase in the financial power of the MCD Commissioner shall require the Chief Minister’s approval, amounting to an admission that the Delhi government is at a “standstill” in the CM’s absence.

The court had then said: “The decision of the Chief Minister, despite having been arrested, and his petition being dismissed by a learned Single Judge of this Court to continue to hold the position is his personal decision. However, it does not mean that if the Chief Minister is not available, the Fundamental Rights of young children would be trampled upon and they would go through the first term (1st April to 10th May) without free textbooks, writing material and uniforms.”