Providing huge relief to students from the economically weaker sections, the Delhi High Court has ordered the Government and Private schools to provide gadgets and internet packs. The Delhi HC has asked the schools to provide these facilities to the poor students for online classes citing that the lack of the same is preventing such students from pursuing elementary education.
Due to devices and internet EWS students are deprived of education in the crisis.
As per the order passed private unaided schools are entitled to claim reimbursement of reasonable cost from the state for procurement of the equipment and internet package for the peer students under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
Also read: Ministry of Education: Rs 818 cr allocated for online education
The HC ordered the constitution of a three-member committee, comprising Education Secretary from the Central Government or his nominee, Education Secretary of the Government of Delhi or his nominee and a representative of the private schools.
The establishment of this panel is meant to expedite and streamline the process of identifying and providing the gadgets to poor and disadvantaged students. As per the orders of the Delhi HC, the committee will also frame standard operating procedures (SOPs) which will help in the identification of disadvantaged students from the economically weaker sections and supply them with the necessary facilities.
The PIL sought directions of the Centre and the Delhi government in providing laptops, tablets or mobile phones to poor kids free of cost so that they are able to access classes online during the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
The schools are closed across the country from mid-March due to corona pandemic,
