The Delhi High Court has ordered the Directorate of Education (DoE) to ensure that all circulars and notices related to admissions under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota are issued in Hindi, in addition to English
The Court observed that many people from economically weaker backgrounds may not be proficient in English, creating language barriers that hinder access to crucial information regarding admissions.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, presiding over the case, emphasized the need for inclusive communication. “Notices and circulars meant for EWS admissions should not be restricted to English alone, as this creates significant barriers for the parents of these children,” the Court stated. The ruling was made in response to a plea seeking admission of a child to kindergarten under the EWS quota, which was ultimately dismissed due to non-compliance with income certificate requirements.
The petitioner’s parents argued that they were unaware their income certificate had expired and could not furnish a valid one before the admission process began. The Court noted that the school acted within its rights by rejecting the application, as the parents failed to meet the mandatory requirement. However, the Court acknowledged that language barriers contributed to this issue and highlighted the need for more accessible communication from the DoE.
To prevent such issues in the future, the Court issued several directives:
1. Hindi Circulars: All notices and circulars regarding EWS admissions must be issued in Hindi, ensuring that information is accessible to a broader segment of the population.
2. Publicizing Requirements: The DoE must publicize the necessary documents and validity requirements, including income certificates, in both Hindi and English.
3. Instructional Videos: The DoE should create dual-language videos (in Hindi and English) explaining the EWS admission process, including the steps for submitting valid income certificates and other required documents.
The Court’s decision aims to eliminate language barriers and ensure that the EWS quota system is accessible to all, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
(With inputs from agency)
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