The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Punjab government regarding alleged failure to implement key provisions of the Right to Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. The plea focuses on the mandate for private unaided schools to reserve 25% of entry-level seats for economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups.
This case addresses the fundamental right to education for economically weaker sections and the accountability of private schools and state governments in ensuring equitable access to education as mandated by law.
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Punjab government following allegations that it has failed to implement key provisions of the Right to Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. Specifically, the plea highlights the non-compliance with Section 12(1)(c), which mandates that private unaided schools reserve 25% of their entry-level seats for children from economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice V Mohana asked the petitioner to present concrete evidence to support their claim of the law's non-implementation. The petitioner argued that the issue is not confined to individual schools but represents a statewide failure, potentially affecting around 50,000 students annually, given that nearly two lakh students are admitted to private schools each year.
Chief Justice Kant noted that the state had filed an affidavit stating that 476 EWS children had been admitted to private schools. The court is now seeking to understand which specific schools are not adhering to the crucial provisions of the Act.