Provide Gadgets, Internet Package to EWS Students for Online Learning: HC to Private, Govt Schools

The High Court of Delhi has directed private unaided & Govt Schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas to supply gadget/equipment of optimum configuration as well as internet package so that EWS/DG (economically weaker sections/disadvantaged groups) students have access to online learning.

The Court clarified that the cost of such gadget – digital equipment as well as internet package – are not a part of tuition fee & have to be provided free of cost to the EWS/DG students by private unaided Schools & Govt Schools. 

A bench of Justice Manmohan & Justice Sanjeev Narula noted that the absence of such facilities prevents children from pursuing elementary education.  Notably, the Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by NGO Justice for All, represented by Lawyer Khagesh Jha, seeking directions to the Centre & the Delhi Govt to provide free laptops, tablets or mobile phones to poor kids so that they can access classes online during the COVID-19 lockdown. 

Meanwhile, the 2-Judge bench also directed constitution of a 3-member committee, comprising education secretary from the Centre or his nominee, Delhi Govt’s education secretary or his nominee & a representative of the private schools, to expedite & streamline the process of identifying & supplying the gadgets to poor & disadvantaged students. 

The HC said the committee shall also frame standard operating procedures (SOPs) for identifying the standard of the equipment & internet package to be supplied to the poor & disadvantaged students. The bench added that this would ensure uniformity in the gadgets & internet package being used by all the poor & disadvantaged students. 

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