SC issues Notice to Centre, Punjab on plea alleging non-implementation of RTE Act in schools
The Supreme Court on issued notice to the Centre and the Punjab government on a petition alleging non-implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 in the state.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice V Mohana sought responses on the plea, which claimed that the mandatory provision requiring private schools to admit at least 25% children from economically weaker and disadvantaged sections in Class 1 was not being properly enforced in Punjab.
The petitioner, appearing in person, alleged that the provisions of the RTE Act have not been effectively implemented in the state for nearly 15 years. He also cited a 2012 Supreme Court judgment that upheld the constitutional validity of the Act.
During the hearing, the bench referred to earlier state submissions indicating that over 450 students from economically weaker sections had been admitted to private schools, while the petitioner argued that the number should be significantly higher based on total admissions.
Observing the need for ground-level verification, the Supreme Court suggested that the petitioner conduct a survey in at least one district to assess compliance in private schools.
The court also noted that RTI responses may vary depending on how questions are framed, highlighting the need for more structured verification mechanisms.
The plea further sought directions for the Centre to establish a transparent and verifiable system to monitor compliance with Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, including digital dashboards for tracking admissions, seat availability, and enforcement measures.
Section 12(1)(c) of the Act mandates that private unaided schools reserve at least 25% of entry-level seats for children from weaker and disadvantaged sections and provide free education until completion of elementary schooling.
The matter has been posted for further hearing after the Centre and Punjab government file their responses.
