Delhi government increases cash subsidy given to students for uniforms

The Delhi government has told the Delhi High Court it has enhanced the cash subsidy provided to students in schools run by it for purchase of uniforms for the academic session 2017-18.

The submission was made by the Directorate of Education (DoE) in an affidavit filed in response to the court’s query of August, 2016 about the government’s policy for supply of writing material and uniforms to students studying in Delhi government-run schools.

The DoE has said that for classes 1 to 5 the cash provided for uniforms has been increased from Rs 500 to Rs 1,100.

For classes 6 to 8 it has been hiked to Rs 1,400 from the previous Rs 700 and for classes 9 to 12 from Rs 900 to Rs 1,500, the DoE has said in its affidavit filed through advocate Anuj Aggarwal.

The department has said that the decision to hike the cash subsidy for buying uniforms was taken in the recent budget session of the Delhi government.

It said that the amount would be transferred to the students’ accounts.

This would avoid delays associated with tendering process, ensure transparency and address issues related to quality, the DoE’s affidavit said.

With regard to writing material, like pen, pencils erasers and sharpeners, the department has said it provides Rs 300 to students in classes 1 to 5 and Rs 400 for those in classes 6 to 8.

In addition to that, Rs 30 is provided to students of class 8 for purchasing a geometry box, it said.

It said one free set of text books is also provided to all students from classes 1 to 8 in schools managed and controlled by the Delhi government.

The court had sought the policy on a plea alleging that the Delhi government and north MCD have not discharged their obligation under Delhi Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules to provide free text books, writing material and uniform.

The matter is listed for hearing on Thursday.