The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a significant directive to the Haryana government, demanding fresh and detailed district-wise information on the implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act in its government schools. This order comes amid ongoing judicial scrutiny over the state's adherence to the law's provisions, particularly concerning seats for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
Court's Directive for Updated Compliance Data
During a hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL), a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji instructed the state authorities to compile and present a new set of comprehensive data. The court explicitly asked for a district-by-district breakdown showing the total number of government schools, the sanctioned strength of students, and critically, the number of seats actually filled under the EWS quota for the academic years 2022-23 and 2023-24.
This judicial intervention stems from apparent discrepancies or lack of clarity in the information previously submitted. The bench emphasized the need for precise figures to accurately assess the ground reality of RTE implementation across Haryana's educational landscape. The state has been given time to collate this fresh data before the next scheduled hearing.
Background of the PIL and Legal Scrutiny
The court's latest order is part of a continuing legal process initiated by a PIL that challenges the state's compliance with Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act. This pivotal section mandates all private, unaided schools to reserve at least 25% of their entry-level seats for children from Economically Weaker Sections and disadvantaged groups. The government is responsible for reimbursing these schools for the cost of such education.
The petitioner's counsel argued that the Haryana government has failed to properly enforce this provision, leading to a significant number of EWS seats remaining unfilled. This, they contend, deprives countless eligible children of their fundamental right to quality education. The court has been closely monitoring the state's actions and responses to ensure the law's intent is fulfilled.
Implications for Education Policy and Implementation
The High Court's insistence on granular, district-level data has several important implications. First, it moves the scrutiny beyond aggregate state numbers, which can mask localised failures or successes. By examining each district's performance, the court and the public can identify specific regions where administrative efforts are lagging.
Second, this data will be crucial for holding the education department accountable. It will reveal whether the infrastructure and processes are in place to identify eligible EWS children, facilitate their admission, and ensure timely reimbursement to private schools. The order underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring that progressive legislation like the RTE Act translates into tangible benefits for its intended beneficiaries.
The state's response and the subsequent data will likely influence future policy directives and resource allocation for RTE implementation. The next hearing, where this fresh data will be examined, is awaited as a key moment in this ongoing effort to secure educational rights for all children in Haryana.
