Panel Urges Expert Study on Free Education for SC/ST in Delhi Private Schools

New Delhi: A parliamentary committee on the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) has strongly recommended the formation of an expert committee to study the implementation and impact of free education for SC/ST students in private schools in Delhi under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

The panel, chaired by BJP member Faggan Singh Kulaste, expressed concerns over the Delhi government's approach in addressing the issue. It criticized the government for casually stating that private unaided recognized schools, located either on private land or government land without land obligations, were only required to provide free education up to elementary level for economically weaker sections, disadvantaged groups, and children with special needs.

Panel Pushes for Policy to Extend Free Education Beyond Class 8

The committee urged the Delhi government to develop a policy framework that would ensure continued education for SC/ST students in private schools beyond Class 8. The report, tabled in Parliament, emphasized the need for a structured approach to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds throughout their schooling.

The panel also recommended an increase in the reimbursement of tuition fees for students from disadvantaged sections. It stated that the current limit of Rs 48,000 per annum should be raised and that the scholarship funds should cover the actual tuition fees paid. Additionally, it suggested that students should be admitted to schools with zero balance until scholarship funds are disbursed.

Concerns Over SC/ST Representation in Delhi Colleges

The committee highlighted serious discrepancies in the representation of SC/ST teaching and non-teaching staff in Delhi government-affiliated colleges. The data provided to the panel revealed that the mandated SC/ST representation quotas were not being met, particularly in teaching positions.

The report pointed out that Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University had zero SC/ST faculty members, calling this a "grim indicator of bias". It further noted that despite Delhi being home to a large number of qualified SC/ST professionals, there remained a significant shortfall in their hiring for teaching positions in government institutions.

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Committee Questions DDA’s Handling of Housing Scheme for SC/STs

The committee also examined the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) special housing scheme for SC/STs, launched in 2021. It flagged concerns over the allotment process, revealing that out of 955 flats allocated to SC/ST beneficiaries, only 233 possession letters had been issued.

The panel demanded clarification on the status of the remaining 722 flats, questioning whether possession letters had been delayed, allotments were canceled due to payment delays or incomplete paperwork, or the unsold flats were re-advertised without SC/ST reservations.

It also sought confirmation on whether the 15% and 7.5% quota for SC and ST beneficiaries was properly followed during the DDA’s allocation process.

Need for Systemic Reforms in Education and Housing for SC/STs

The parliamentary committee’s recommendations highlighted gaps in education access and representation for SC/STs in Delhi. The report stressed the need for stricter enforcement of reservation policies, better financial support for SC/ST students, and transparent implementation of housing schemes.

The committee urged the government to take immediate action to rectify these disparities and ensure that policies meant for uplifting SC/ST communities are effectively implemented.