Erring Delhi schools told to admit poor students

HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times
New Delhi, February 27, 2013

Schools in the Capital that have so far avoided giving admission to students under the economically weaker section (EWS) category will no longer be able to do so. On Tuesday, a circular issued by the Delhi directorate of education (DOE) made it clear that 410 schools that took land from 

the Delhi Development Authority on concessional rates will have to admit 15% EWS students with immediate effect.

The schools had been given land on the condition that they will admit EWS category students in all classes, with the percentage ranging from 10% to 25% in different schools.

Now, the Delhi high court, after consulting the DOE, has fixed that figure at 15% for all grades. This comes after a petition filed by an NGO said that many schools were not holding up their end of the bargain.

Several high-profile institutions, such as DPS RK Puram, GD Goenka Public School, Amity International School, Vasant Valley School and Mother’s International School, had got land at concessional rates.

“Some schools were following the norm, but a large number were not. Now, all schools, including minority institutions, will have to follow the order with immediate effect,” said Amit Singla, director, education.