The Telangana High Court has called upon the state government to respond to a plea that seeks the enforcement of the mandatory 25% admission quota in schools for children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups, as stipulated by the Right to Education (RTE) Act. This move underscores the court’s commitment to ensuring inclusive education and upholding the rights of underprivileged children.
Background
The plea was filed by an NGO and various stakeholders advocating for the rights of children from marginalized communities. They argued that many private unaided schools have been evading the mandatory quota, thereby denying deserving children their right to free and compulsory education. The petitioners emphasized that the state must take stringent measures to ensure compliance with the RTE Act.
Court’s Observations
The court took note of the concerns raised about the non-compliance of schools with the RTE Act’s provisions. It underscored the importance of the 25% quota in promoting social equity and providing educational opportunities to children from weaker sections. The High Court has directed the state government to submit a detailed response, outlining the steps it has taken or plans to take to enforce the mandatory quota in all private unaided schools.
Legal Implications
This directive by the High Court is a crucial step towards ensuring that the provisions of the RTE Act are fully implemented. It reaffirms the legal obligation of educational institutions to reserve seats for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The court’s intervention highlights the judiciary’s role in protecting educational rights and ensuring that state policies are effectively enforced.