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Delhi HC Orders Citywide Survey of Govt Schools for RTE Compliance

The Delhi High Court has directed city authorities to conduct a comprehensive survey of all government-run schools to assess their compliance with the Right to Education Act's infrastructure norms. The order, issued during a PIL hearing, mandates the completion of this inspection within a strict four-week timeframe. The survey will evaluate critical requirements like adequate buildings, separate toilets, drinking water, and teacher ratios as per the RTE Act. A detailed status report must be submitted to the court following the completion of the survey.

Key Points: Delhi HC Orders RTE Compliance Survey of All Govt Schools

  • Court orders time-bound survey
  • Covers all Delhi government schools
  • Checks RTE Act infrastructure norms
  • Report due in four weeks
2 min read

Delhi HC orders citywide survey of Govt schools for RTE compliance

Delhi High Court directs authorities to inspect all government schools for RTE Act infrastructure compliance and submit a report within four weeks.

"The Court made it clear that a consolidated report must be filed, indicating the extent to which government schools comply with the requirements under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. - Delhi High Court"

New Delhi, January 8

The Delhi High Court has issued comprehensive directions to the Delhi government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the New Delhi Municipal Council to undertake a time-bound inspection of all government-run schools in the capital to assess compliance with statutory infrastructure norms.

A Division Bench ordered that the survey be completed within four weeks and placed under the direct supervision of the Secretary (Education), the MCD Commissioner and the NDMC Chairperson.

The Court made it clear that a consolidated report must be filed, indicating the extent to which government schools comply with the requirements under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.

The directions were passed on January 7, 2026, during a hearing of a public interest litigation filed by the non-profit organisation Justice For All, which had initially raised concerns about inadequate infrastructure in MCD-run schools. Advocates Khagesh B. Jha and Shikha Sharma Bagga appeared in the matter.

After considering the submissions, the Bench expanded the scope of the PIL to cover all government-administered schools across Delhi, noting that compliance with Sections 11 and 19 of the RTE Act is mandatory for all schools imparting elementary education. The Court directed authorities to collate data on compliance with these provisions and submit a detailed status report.

The Schedule appended to the RTE Act prescribes minimum standards, including adequate teacher strength with prescribed pupil-teacher ratios, the availability of subject and head teachers in schools with higher enrolment, and essential physical infrastructure.

These include all-weather buildings, classrooms, separate toilets, safe drinking water, kitchens for mid-day meals and playgrounds. The matter will be addressed after the survey report is submitted.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
The court's intervention is necessary, but four weeks seems too short for a proper survey. Quality matters more than speed. They must check the actual pupil-teacher ratio in classrooms, not just what's on paper.
R
Rohit P
Good move by the HC. The RTE Act has been around for years, but compliance is pathetic in many government schools. The mid-day meal kitchens are often in terrible condition. Accountability is key.
S
Sarah B
As someone who volunteers with an education NGO, I've seen the disparity firsthand. It's not just about buildings; it's about having enough trained teachers. Hope this survey includes that aspect thoroughly.
V
Vikram M
While I appreciate the court's order, I respectfully disagree with the approach. Constant judicial micromanagement of the executive isn't sustainable. The education department should have done this proactively. We need better governance, not more court orders.
K
Kavya N
This is crucial for our children's future. All-weather buildings and safe drinking water are basic rights, not luxuries. Let's hope the authorities take this seriously and don't treat it as a mere formality. Jai Hind!

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