HC expresses anguish at MCD

Updated on: Saturday, February 12, 2011

The Delhi High Court expressed its anguish at the MCD for failing to make proper portable cabins in schools, which are run in tents, despite its repeated directions.

A division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Sanjeev Khanna said the condition of the schools is "pathetic" despite the fact that the court has granted sufficient time to the MCD for replacing the tents with portable cabins.

The bench made the observation after watching the CD, prepared by a committee comprising of three lawyers who visited 11 such schools.

The bench found that portable cabins were installed in several schools but officials failed to take care of proper painting of walls, sitting arrangements and lighting system in the room.

Directing MCD officials concerned to take corrective measures within six weeks, the court also pointed out that in some cabins it was found the electric connection have been left open putting the lives of children to danger.

Earlier, the agency was directed to make water-proof portable cabins in place of tents keeping in view the chilly winter so that the students attend classes in full strength.

As per the committee report, due to the poor condition of schools the teachers were not attending the classes regularly and as a result the students were deprived from their right to education.

Setting up a committee comprising three lawyers- Najmi Waziri, Standing Counsel for Delhi government, S K Dubey and Ashok Aggarwal, the bench had asked them to visit 41 such schools running in tents.

The court order had come after it converted into a PIL a letter written by more than 100 students addressing the Chief Justice and drawing his attention to the condition of their schools.

The students also alleged the authorities have violated the Right to Education Act.

HC expresses anguish at MCD

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