Showing posts with label Admission under EWS /DG Category. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Admission under EWS /DG Category. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Sh. Ashwani Porwal Vs. Principal, Jindal Public School & Anr. | Case No. 815/1032/2019/03/3668-3670 | Dated:23.07.2019




In the Court of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities
National Capital Territory of Delhi
25- D, Mata Sundari Road, Near Guru Nanak Eye Centre, New Delhi
Phone-011-23216002-04, Telefax: 011-23216005,
[Vested with powers of Civil Court under the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016]

Case No. 815/1032/2019/03/3668-3670                      Dated:23.07.2019

In the matter of:

Sh. Ashwani Porwal,
RZ- 6A/230, J-Block West Sagarpur,
New Delhi-110046.                                                     .....Complainant

Versus
The Principal,
Jindal Public School,
Dashrathpuri,
New Delhi-110045.                                             ........Respondent No.1

The Director,
Department of Education,
GNCT of Delhi,
Old Sectt., Delhi-110054.                            ......Respondent No.2

Date of hearing:        18.07.2019

Present:      Sh. Ashwani Porwal, Complainant.
                   Dr. Mukesh, DDE (IEB) for Respondent no. 2.

Order

The above named complainant, father of Master Ayush Porwal, a person with moderate intellectual disability with challenging behaviour vide his complaint dated 26.03.2019 submitted that his son is six years and 10 months of age.  He has been allotted Jindal Public School, Dashrathpuri under 3% reserved seats for children with disability.  He does not want to admit his son in the school as there is no special educator and related staff and equipment.  He also submitted that he spoke to the principal on 14.03.2019, who expressed apprehension that his son may harm other children in the school.   Therefore he would not send his son to that school.  He requested that his son may be admitted in some other regular school in nursery where he can study with children of nursery class and where there are facilities for teaching children with special needs (Autistic) like St. Marry Dwarka or Golden Jubilee, Suborto Park, New Delhi.  If it is not possible, he should be exempted from paying Rs. 4125/- to Tamanna Autism Centre where his son currently studies.

2.       The complaint was taken up under the provisions of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, hereinafter referred to as “Act” with the respondents vide notice dated 04.04.2019.

3.       Principal, Jindal Pubic School, Dashrathpuri, Dwarka vide his reply letter dated 06.04.2019 submitted as under:

“Sir,
In reply to the Show cause notice, it is submitted that the complaint dated 26.03.2019, is false, frivolous and based on concocted facts.  Sh. Ashwini Porwal has intentionally, deliberately and with ulterior motive, has alleged that Sh. Ashwini Porwal met the undersigned and the undersigned has discouraged Sh. Ashwini Porwal from admitting his child in Jindal Public School.  It is pertinent to mention that Sh. Ashwini Porwal has never met and/or approached the undersigned in respect to the admission of his ward or in connection to any other matter thereof.  As a matter of fact, his ward has allotted to Jindal Public School and the undersigned has always been ready and willing to adhere to the rules and regulations framed by the authorities.  In other words, the School has no issues whatsoever, in case, the said child is willing to take admission in our School.

Thanking you
Principal
Jindal Public School”

4.       Vide his rejoinder dated 15.04.2019, the complainant stated that he is rejecting the allotted school on his own due to unavailability of required resources.  He reiterated that his son should be admitted to one of the schools mentioned in his complaint where facilities like Tamanna Autism Centre are available or Directorate of Education should get the fee exempted at Tamanna Autism Centre. 

5.       In view of the rejoinder of the complainant it was decided to close the complainant.  However, the complainant vide his letter dated 21.05.2019 insisted that Directorate of Education ignored the requirement of his son and the alternative of allotting his son to some other school.  In view of this a hearing was scheduled on 07.06.2019.  The complainant reiterated his written submissions and added that before filing a complaint in this Court, he had submitted a representation to Dy. Director, Private School Branch, Directorate of Education on 25.03.2019.  The officer of the Private School Branch recorded on his representation that “Candidate shall be admitted as per guidelines issued vide Circular dated 27.02.2019” and marked it to S.O. (Jindal Public School).  As he did not want to admit his son to that school even then and as he was not sure about the safety and proper education of his child in that school, he did not submit the representation with the said remarks to the School.  

6.       Sh. Banne Singh, UDC who appeared on behalf of the Jindal Public School, submitted that two children with disabilities were allotted to the school by  DoE for admission in 1st standard for the academic year 2019-20.  The other child, Master Mohnish S/o Sh. Darshan Singh has been admitted and is attending classes regularly. Master Ayush Porwal has not yet reported for admission.  He further submitted that children with disabilities have been allotted to their school for the first time. Presently, the school does not have special educator and other facilities / equipments for teaching / learning of children with disabilities.  As per him, now that children with disabilities have started coming for admission, the school will make necessary arrangements like appointment of special educators.

7.       The Directorate of Education was directed to submit why the child with Autism was admitted to a school that did not have facilities for teaching such children and how teaching and learning of master Ayush Porwal would be ensured.  The Principal of the School was also directed to submit by 21.06.2019, the details of facilities that the school proposed to put in place to ensure that master Ayush Porwal and other children with disabilities are taught on equal basis with other children.  The matter was posted for hearing on 11.07.2019, which was rescheduled on 18.07.2019.
 
8.       Deputy Director of Education (IEB), District South West-B, Najafgarh, New Delhi vide letter dated 09.07.2019 submitted that—

          “As per RTE Act 2009 and guidelines issued by DOE, 25% seats are reserved for EWS/DG/CWSN category candidates in Private Recognized Unaided Schools.  Ayush Porwal s/o Ashwani Porwal was allotted Jindal Public School through Computerized Draw of lots conducted by DoE for EWS/DG including 3% for CWSN category candidates.  The school was allotted 25% seats under EWS/DG including 3% CWSN category wherein name of Ayush Porwal appeared in the allotted list of Jindal Public School.

          The school has stated that a notice from Disability Commission was received by them and Sh. Banne Singh, UDC of the school attended the hearing on 07.06.2019 in the Disability Commission wherein the complainant himself refused to get admitted his ward in the said school and submitted that since facilities needed for his child is not available at Jindal Public School, his ward may be retained at Tamana Autism Centre with free ship facility.

Under provision of 12 (1) (c) a school specified in sub clause (iii) and (iv) of clause(es) of section shall admit to the extent of at least twenty five percent of the strength for candidates under EWS/DG/CSN and Tamana Autism Centre is not specified in sub clause (iii) and (iv) of clause (n) of section (2). 

The complainant has requested for change of school but there is no provision for change of school once allotted under EWS/DG/CWSN category admission.  Further, school is ready to admit the child but parent of the child is not willing for the same.

Deputy Director of Education
District South West-B
Najafgarh, New Delhi-43”
9.       Deputy Director of Education (IEB) vide letter dated 10.07.2019 has submitted that—
“Master Ayush Porwal is a child with Mental retardation with features of Autism. He was allotted Jindal Public School, Dashrathpuri, Delhi through the online admission process for CWSN and the allotment of schools has been done through computerised system.  The unified system of admission of CWSN is being followed in compliance to the order of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi dated 03.04.2014 in WPC 1225/2014 titled as Pramod Arora Vs Hon’ble LG of Delhi and Ors.  Further, based on the judgment in the WPC 1225/2014 dated 21.02.2018 the Directorate of Education (DoE) has reserved 3% of seats under EWS/DG category in Private Un-aided Recognized Schools in Delhi for Children with disabilities with prior approval of the Hon’ble L.G. vide notification dated 23rd July 2018.
In this regard it is also submitted that the DoE has issued directions to all Private un-aided Recognized Schools to appoint Special Education Teachers and provide Barrier free Environment to Children with Disabilities vide order dated 19.02.2013.”
In addition to the above, the Section 16 of the Rights of Person with Disabilities Act, 2016 states that the appropriate Government and the local authorities shall endeavour that all educational institutions funded or recognized by them provide inclusive education to the children with disabilities.
In view of the above facts, all private un-aided recognized schools should provide appropriate inclusive education to children with disabilities as provided in Section 16 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
This issues with the prior approval of the Director (Education), GNCTD.

(Dr. MUKESH CHAND)
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (IEB)”

10.     During the hearing on 19.07.2019, the complainant reiterated his submissions and added that it is not possible for him to produce any               evidence in support of his submission about the conversation between him and the Principal as the School does not allow mobile phone inside the company. 

11.     As the Principal/ his representative was not present and no compliance report had been received, the Principal of the school was contacted on telephone.  He informed that the school has appointed a Special Educator and the other child who is also with intellectual disability, is attending the school.  Since the father of the child does not want to admit his son in the school, he has no further comments to make.

12.     Section 16 of the Act, which mandatory, provides as under:
“The appropriate Government and the local authorities shall endeavour that all educational institutions funded or recognised by them provide inclusive education to the children with disabilities and towards that end shall—
(i)         admit them without discrimination and provide education and opportunities for sports and recreation activities equally with others;
(ii)        make building, campus and various facilities accessible;
(iii)       provide reasonable accommodation according to the individual’s requirements;
(iv)       provide necessary support individualised or otherwise in environments that maximise academic and social development consistent with the goal of full inclusion;
(v)        ensure that the education to persons who are blind or deaf or both is imparted in the most appropriate languages and modes and means of communication;
(vi)       detect specific learning disabilities in children at the earliest and take suitable pedagogical and other measures to overcome them;
(vii)      monitor participation, progress in terms of attainment levels and completion of education in respect of every student with disability;
(viii)     provide transportation facilities to the children with disabilities and also the attendant of the children with disabilities having high support needs.”

13.     In addition to providing inclusive education and the necessary facilities required for it as enumerated in Section 16 of the Act, Govt. of NCT of Delhi has reserved 3% seats for children with disabilities in recognized private schools. 

14.     It is a fact that all the private or government schools do not have the required facilities as envisaged in Section 16 of the Act for teaching and learning of children with various disabilities especially those with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, learning disability, deafness and blindness, etc.  In the circumstances, the following recommendations are made:

i)        Directorate of Education should set a reasonable time frame, in the order of priority, in respect of all the schools for making them fully inclusive schools.  Until then, allocation of children with disabilities should be done based on mapping of availability of relevant facilities in the schools. 
ii)       While it may not be possible to accept the request of every parent to allocate the school of their choice, flexibility in accommodating the requests for the purpose of ensuring equitable quality education to a child with a particular disability should be adopted subject to reasonable constraints like availability of seats.  Provision for such accommodation should be incorporated in the procedure for draw of lots.
iii)      The recommendation for admission to a grade/class should also take care of the existing provision for relaxation in upper age limit upto 9 years in respect of children with disabilities.

15.     In view of the assurance by the school and the instructions of the Directorate of Education and the mandatory nature of the provisions of Section 16 of the Act, complainant should admit his son to the allotted school and the school should provide the necessary teaching and learning facilities.  It goes without saying that Director of Education would have an appropriate mechanism to monitor provisions in the school and proper implementation.  As regards, the apprehension of the complainant about the security of his son in the school, it is the duty of the school to ensure safety and well being of all children.  I am sure, the Principal of the school shall assure the parents once the child is admitted and he becomes the student of that school. 

16.     This Court/complainant be informed of the action taken on the recommendation as required under Section 81 of the Act.

17.     The complaint is disposed of.

18.     Given under my hand and the seal of the Court this 23nd day of July, 2019.     





           (T.D. Dhariyal)
                              State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities






Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Rajesh Kumar Vs. Dte of Education & Sanskriti School | Case No. 186/1031/2018/04/1871-1873 | Dated: 15.04.2019







In the Court of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities
National Capital Territory of Delhi
25- D, Mata Sundari Road, Near Guru Nanak Eye Centre, New Delhi-2
Phone-011-23216002-04, Telefax: 011-23216005,
[Vested with powers of Civil Court under the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016]

1.    Case No. 186/1031/2018/04/1871-1873       Dated: 15.04.2019
In the matter of:

Sh. Rajesh Kumar
M-77, Meteorological Complex,
Lodhi Road,
New Delhi-110003.                                                 ..…… Complainant
    
Versus

The Director,
Directorate of Education,
GNCT of Delhi, Old Sectt.,
Delhi-110054.                                                   ......…Respondent No. 1

The Principal,
Sanskriti School,
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Marg,
Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi – 110018.                                      ....…..Respondent No. 2

2.    Case No. 187/1031/2018/04/ 1874-1876           

In the matter of:
 
Sh. Naresh Kumar Yadav,
F-6, DMS Colony, Shadipur
West Patel Nagar,
New Delhi-110008.                                                 .........Complainant

Versus

The Director,
Directorate of Education,
GNCT of Delhi, Old Sectt.,
Delhi-110054.                                                       .....…Respondent No. 1

The Principal
Bal Bharti School
Ganga Ram Hospital Marg
New Delhi-110060.                                               ...…Respondent No. 2
   
ORDER
Case No. 186/1031/2018/04 — Sh. Rajesh Kumar vide his email dated 22.03.2018 and letter dated 08.4.2018 submitted that he applied for admission of his daughter Ms. Abharika Singh, a person with 65% Cerebral Palsy online through Directorate of Education website in 5 schools namely Sanskriti School, Spring-dales School, Morden School (Humayun Road), DPS R.K. Puram, DPS Mathura Road.  None of the schools admitted her stating that schools were not equipped with the facilities required for children with special needs.  Directorate of Education also did not take any action against the schools.  He requested for intervention of this Court and for instructing the schools to admit his daughter in class I. 
2.       The complaint was taken up with the respondents vide notice dated 04.04.2018 under the provisions of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, hereinafter referred to as “Act”.  Deputy Director (IEDSS), Department of Education vide letter dated 10.05.2018 informed that matter had been taken up with Sanskriti School as per the request of the complainant and action taken report was also sent to him.  Subsequently, Ms. Abarika Singh was admitted in DPS, Mathura Road.  
3.       Case No. 187/1031/2018/04—Sh. Naresh Kumar Yadav, father of Ms. Nancy Yadav, a person with 40% visual impairment vide his email dated 21.03.2018 submitted that he applied online for admission of his daughter in CWSN category against open seats for admission to KG class for academic session 2018-19 in Bal Bharti School, Ganga Ram Hospital Road.  The school did not reply even after contacting them a number of times.  He also applied in the academic session 2017-18.  She was denied admission in both the academic years which is violation of Section 26 of Act and the Directorate of Education circular dated 11.01.2019 and High Court order dated 14.01.2015 in contempt petition.  He requested that necessary action for admission of his daughter in KG class in Bal Bharti School should be taken.
4.       The complaint was taken up with the respondents vide notice dated 06.04.2018 after the complainant submitted a copy of the disability certificate in respect of his daughter. 
5.       Deputy Director Education, Zone-II vide letter dated 08.05.2018 informed that Ms. Nancy Yadav has been granted admission in class KG, Salwan Public School, Rajinder Nagar.
6.       Upon considering the replies and rejoinders, both the cases were tagged and hearings were held on 17.05.2018, 08.06.2018 and 21.06.2018.    
7.       During the course of hearings, respondent no. 1 provided the following information vide letter dated 06.06.2018:
S.No.
Information Sought
Reply
1.
The process of admission of children with disabilities and those with Bench Mark Disabilities from the stage of application for admission to the stage of admission in the schools applied for.
The policy of non denial of admission is followed in Government and Government aided Schools of Directorate of Education, GNCTD.
2.
Whether a child with disability, who applies through single window system, would be able to participate for admission against 25% EWS/DG seats or He/She needs to make a separate application
Yes, he/she has to make a separate application for admission against 25% EWS/DG category.  However Hon’ble LG has approved the proposal to reserve 3% seats for admission of Children with Special Needs (CWSN) in private un-Aided schools within 25% of EWS/DG Category quota earmarked under section 12 (1) (c) of RTE act 2009.  To give effect the approval of Hon’ble LG it is required to issue a notification amending clause 3 (a) of Delhi School Education (free seats for students belonging to economically weaker sections and disadvantaged group).  Order, 2011 published vide notification no. 15(172)/DE/Act/ 2010/69 dated 07/01/2011 as amended up to date.  The draft notification amending the amended clause 3 (a) in line of the approval of Hon’ble LG has already submitted to Law and Justice Department, GNCTD for its vetting on 29.05.2018.  After issue of amended notification fresh applications in the category of CWSN under EWS/DG category shall be invited for the year 2018-19.
3.
Whether a child with Bench Mark Disabilities between the age of 6-8 years shall be ensured admission in a neighbourhood school of his/her choice as required u/s 31 (1) of Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Yes, a child with Benchmark disabilities between the age of 6-8 years shall be ensured admission in a neighbourhood Govt. School of his /her choice as required u/s 31 (1) & RPwD Act, 2016.
4.
If a child with Bench Mark disabilities is not able to get admission against 25% of EWS/DG seats as well as 75% open seats Draw of lots and all the sanctioned authorized Number of seats have been filled, how will he/she be ensured his/her right of free education in a neighbourhood schools of his/her choice as mandated by Section 31 of Rights of PWD Act, 2016.
A child with bench mark shall be ensured admission in a neighbourhood Govt. school of his/her choice as required u/s 31 (1) & RPwD Act, 2016.  However in the case of private schools, Delhi Persons with Disabilities Rules 2018 is under process with Social Welfare Department/Nodal department, GNCTD and when notification on this matter is issued it shall be complied with.

8.       Principal, Sanskriti School vide her reply dated 31.05.2018 submitted that the school strictly follows and admits against 25% seats from EWS/CWSN category and has already admitted 29% against the prescribed 25% for the academic year 2018-19 for class 1.  As per the details given in annexure A-1 to the reply, out of 124 children admitted in Nursery, Prep. and Class 1st against EWS Quota, 3% were children with special needs.  As requested by Directorate of Education to allow a seat for the daughter of Sh. Rajesh Kumar in open category, the same is not possible as there is no vacancy.
9.       As per Section 16 of the Act, Education institutions funded or recognized by the Govt. and local authorities are required to provide inclusive education and admit children with disability without discrimination.  Section 31 provides that every child with benchmark disability between the age of 6 to 18 years, shall have the right to free education in a neighbourhood school or in a special school of his choice.  There is no provision in the Act for reservation of seats for children with disabilities in school education.  However, not less than 5% of the seats are to be reserved for persons with benchmark disabilities in Govt. institutions of higher education and other higher educational institutions receiving aid from the Govt.
10.     The order for reservation of 3% seats for children with disabilities was issued by respondent no. 1 on 23.07.2018.  Thereafter, the names of children with disabilities were forwarded by the Directorate of Education to the concerned schools for admission.  By the time the process commenced for operationalizing the mandate, much of the period of 2018-19 session was over.  The question of any shortfall or improper implementation of the said mandate was also not brought up. Now that the 2018-19 academic session is already over, no directions can be given to the schools for admission at this stage. The respondents must ensure that 3% of the seats are reserved for children with disabilities in Nursery, Pre-Primary/KG and Class-I and they are admitted in the academic session 2019-20.  This Court is confident that Directorate of Education will be monitoring the compliance with their circular dated 11.01.2019.   
11.     The complaints are disposed off.
12.     Given under my hand and the seal of the Court this 15th day of April, 2019.     


           (T.D. Dhariyal)
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities