SC to Delhi govt: raise facilities in schools

New Dehi, April 22 Taking an exception to the goings on in primary schools being run by the government in Delhi, the Supreme Court on Tuesday wondered how schools can be allowed to function without basic amenities like drinking water and toilets.
A Bench comprising justices Ashok Bhand and Dalveer Bhandari observed: “We are talking about higher education and reservations but primary education is in a bad shape.” They also issued stern directions to the government to appoint teachers and head masters — posts lying vacant for years now.
The remarks came during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed in 2004 by an NGO — Environmental and Consumer Protection Foundation — on the basis of a newspaper report, which had pointed out the pathetic condition of government and aided schools.
The PIL had alleged that despite the funds, authorities have failed to meet infrastructural facilities in schools.
The apex court in February 2006 had issued a notice to the Delhi government and has been monitoring the matter since. The progress has not been to its satisfaction. Today, the court was obviously displeased.
It was assured on July 13 last year that things would improve, but nothing has so far, the court said.
The apex court also said the government has failed to put in place proper fire safety measures in schools. On the vacancies — nearly 40 per cent as reported by the Department of Education — the court has fixed the next hearing on July 20. It has also asked a senior officer of the department to be present.
Express news servicePosted online: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 11:22:44Updated: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 11:22:44