The Apex Court, with respect to the Right to Education, made an observation that the underprivileged students’ need of receiving online education ought to be protected in order to ensure that the “Right to Education”, which is protected under Article 21A, soon becomes a reality.
The instant petition had been filed by Action Committee Unaided Recognized Private Schools against the judgment passed by Delhi High Court, wherein it directed the school management to provide free gadget and internet connection to students belonging to Economically Weaker Sections and Disadvantaged Groups, and Delhi Government to reimburse the costs to private schools.
The bench issued a notice and directed the Delhi Government to come up with plans and ideas to achieve the ultimate objective of Right to Education Act. It further added that even the Government of India should take steps and engage State Governments as well to carry out its concurrent responsibility of providing funds under the Act.
The bench in its order noted that the students belonging to EWSs and DGs should have the necessary wherewithal to ensure that they’re at the same platform like other schools across the country who had been able to continue their education through online mode.
Earlier, the Delhi HC had directed the Delhi Government to reimburse the private schools, however, the latter challenged the order before Supreme Court and the Delhi HC’s order had been stayed. The instant Special Leave Petition (SLP) has thus been preferred by the applicant.
It also had been noted by the bench the aforesaid issue needs to be resolved as early as possible as there would be reopening of schools. Until then, computer-based learning would prevail and the accessibility of the same to the students belonging to EWSs and DGs of utmost importance.
Lastly, the bench clarified that the instant proceedings would not be restricted to unaided private schools but also government and aided schools across the capital city.
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