MCDs FORGET TO PAY PENSION TO THOUSANDS OF DISABLED/WIDOWS/OLD-AGED PERSONS - SOCIAL JURIST WRITES TO DELHI LG AND MCD COMMISSIONERS

To

1.     Hon’ble Shri Najeeb Jung

Lieutenant Governor of Delhi

Raj Niwas, Raj Niwas Marg

Civil Lines, Delhi-110 054

2.     The Commissioner

East Delhi Municipal Corporation

419,Udyog Sadan

Patparganj Industrial Area

New Delhi – 110 096

3.     The Commissioner

South Delhi Municipal Corporation

Dr. S.P.M. Civic Centre

Minto Road, New Delhi-110 002

4.     The Commissioner

North Delhi Municipal Corporation

Dr. S.P.M. Civic Centre

Minto Road, New Delhi-110 002

December 31, 2014

Subject: MCDs forget to pay pension to thousands of disabled/widows/old-aged persons

Sir

On December 25, 2014, I, along with a social worker Ms. Sunita Chauhan visited the slums of Shashi Garden, Patparganj, East Delhi as part of my constant initiative to spread awareness on health, education and labour rights.

On interaction with the locals, around 50 of them complained to me of non-receipt of pension which they were earlier getting from the EDMC as disabled /widows/old-aged persons. Several persons have not received pension for more than a year. In one case, Ms. Kamlesh, a 70-year-old widow, r/o 429, Shastri Mohalla, Patparganj, Delhi-91 has not received any pension since June 2014 and has therefore not been able to pay her electricity-bills. Resultantly, her electricity-connection has been disconnected and she is now living in the dark. Another old widow, Ms. Chunia, aged about 65 years, r/o E-70-A, Gali No.-8, Shashi Garden, Mayur Vihar, Phase-I has not received any pension since March 2013.

The destitute, whose only means of survival was the pension, have thus been left in lurch by the abrupt and arbitrary discontinuation of pension. Their monthly budgets have been hit hard and many of them have been drawn to the brink of starvation. From my sources, I have come to know that similar situation prevails across all the three MCDs affecting thousands of the destitute.

It is not befitting of a State-agency once having extended such promises to its poorest of the poor to retract mid-way and to leave the poor high-and-dry. Such a conduct would only foster discontent among the destitute who yield high expectations from the State. Such inaction on the part of the State is not only arbitrary and discriminatory but also violates the Fundamental Right to Life of the destitute as guaranteed to them under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

You are, therefore, earnestly requested to enquire into the matter and ensure immediate restoration of pension to such destitute, as well as disbursal of arrears, bearing in mind the interest of the poorest of the poor.

With regards

Ashok Agarwal, Advocate

Advisor, Social Jurist

M: 9811101923 

Don’t charge EWS patients for blood: monitoring panel

It is a paradoxical that a EWS patient who is being treated free of cost by a private hospital has to pay for blood at a government hospital, that too when the patient has also arranged a blood-donor. The government hospitals must shun this practice of charging money from EWS patients for providing blood. In cases where a EWS patient is incapable of arranging a donor, the government hospital Blood-Banks should provide blood for such patient free of cost” wrote Ashok Agarwal, member, in his letter to the principal secretary

Hindustan Times - 31 December 2014 - Page 6

ISSUE DIRECTIVE TO ALL GOVT. HOSPITALS NOT TO CHARGE PROCESSING CHARGES FOR PROVIDING BLOOD TO EWS PATIENTS - MONITORING COMMITTEE MEMBER WRITES TO DELHI PS (HEALTH)

To

Shri S.C.L. Das

Principal Secretary (Health)

Government of NCT of Delhi

Secretariat, I.P. Estate,

New Delhi-110002

December 30, 2014

Subject: Request to issue directive to all Govt. Hospitals not to charge processing charges for providing blood to EWS patients

Dear Sir

A case has to come to my notice of Ms. Sonia, aged 28 years, an EWS patient suffering from Anemia admitted to one of the identified private hospitals, namely, Bhagwati Hospital, Sector 13, Rohini, Delhi-85 since 22.12.2014. The patient requires blood-transfusion of one unit and since there is no Blood-Bank at Bhagwati Hospital, a requisition dated 29.12.2014 was made to Delhi-government run Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Hospital (DDU Hospital) for providing one unit of “B+” blood against blood-donation.

However, upon the donor approaching the DDU Hospital Blood-Bank on 29.12.2014, the latter demanded processing charges of Rs. 1,050 per unit and also made a noting on the requisition-form to that effect, stating, “The processing charges of 1 PCV is Rs.1050 & you will get receipt for that.” As the patient belongs to EWS category and is not in a position to pay the said charges, blood could not be arranged for the patient. (Copy of Blood-requisition Form attached).

I understand that this practice is being followed by all the government hospitals. In my considered opinion, this practice must be stopped forthwith. All such hospitals are required to be told that in case an EWS patient who is admitted to a private hospital requires blood and a requisition is received for the same by a government hospital, no processing fee should be charged from such a patient.

It is a paradoxical situation that an EWS patient who is being treated free of cost by a private hospital is being demanded money from a government hospital for blood, that too when the patient has also arranged a blood-donor. The government hospitals must shun this practice of charging money from EWS patients for providing blood. Moreover, even in an eventuality when an EWS patient is incapable of arranging a donor, the government hospital Blood-Banks should provide blood for such patient free of cost.

You are requested to forthwith issue a directive to all the government hospitals not to charge processing fee for providing blood to EWS patients and not to deny blood to an EWS patient even if he/she fails to arrange a donor.

With regards

Ashok Agarwal, Advocate

Member, EWS Monitoring Committee

M: 9811101923

‘नर्सरी के लिए अपर एज लिमिट फिक्स नहीं

अगर कोई समस्या है तो आप ऑल इंडिया पैरंट्स असोसिएशन तक aipaindiaaipa@gmail.com ईमेल के जरिए अपनी कंप्लेंट पहुंचा सकते हैं। 

नवभारत टाइम्स- 27 दिसम्बर 2014 - पेज 9

सरकार को न केवल आर्थिक रूप से अक्षम बच्चों के लिए बल्कि अन्य वर्ग के लिए भी ध्यान देना चाहिए। हालांकि, सरकार ने कोई शेड्यूल जारी नहीं किया है। इससे अब स्कूलों में अन्य दाखिले के साथ इसके फार्म भी मिलेंगे।
- अशोक अग्रवाल, अध्यक्ष, आल इंडिया पैरेंट्स एसोसिएशन

दैनिक जागरण- 28 दिसम्बर 2014 - पेज 2

अशोक ने लाखों गरीबों को दिलाया मुफ्त इलाज - दैनिक जागरण- 27 दिसम्बर 2014 - पेज 9

http://epaper.jagran.com/ePaperArticle/27-dec-2014-edition-Delhi-City-page_9-2467-5437-4.html

दैनिक जागरण- 27 दिसम्बर 2014 - पेज 9

बच्चे का तुरंत इलाज़ करे एम्स - कोर्ट

नवोदय टाइम्स- 26 दिसम्बर 2014 - पेज 5
http://epaper.navodayatimes.in/c/4126059

मनमानी फीस वसूल रहे हैं निजी स्कूल

राजधानी ही नहीं अन्य जगहों पर भी शिक्षा का व्यापारीकरण हो रहा है। अभिभावकों के सामने विकल्प नहीं है। फीस के नियंत्रण को लेकर सर्वोच्च न्यायालय ने 27 अप्रैल, 2004 को निर्णय दिया था कि शिक्षा निदेशालय चाहे तो स्कूलों को अधिक फीस वसूलने से रोक सकता है। यह नियम गैर अल्पसंख्यक और अल्पसंख्यक दोनों स्कूलों पर लागू होता है। दाखिला प्रक्रिया से लेकर फीस चुकाने तक की प्रक्रिया पारदर्शी होनी चाहिए। अभिभावकों को इसके लिए आगे आना चाहिए।

- अशोक अग्रवाल (अध्यक्ष, आल इंडिया पैरेंट्स एसोसिएशन)

दैनिक जागरण - 26 दिसम्बर 2014 - पेज 6

Differently-abled couple fined for building toilet in Delhi - The Hindu

Differently-abled couple fined for building toilet in Delhi - The Hindu

Differently-abled couple fined for building toilet in Delhi

“The civic body fined the couple for illegal construction under provisions of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957. They were fined on November 18, just about a month after the launch of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on October 2. Further, they were asked to demolish the toilet or face further action. Already reeling under the burden of the loan, the family is now in a spot,” said advocate Ashok Aggarwal.

पीड़ित बच्चे का इलाज शुरू करे आईएलबीएस

अधिवक्ता अशोक अग्रवाल ने कहा कि कलीम का ईएसआईसी में बीमा है और वह झिलमिल के ईएसआईसी अस्पताल के डॉक्टरों की सलाह ले रहा था। ईएसआईसी ने उसको पैनल में शामिल आईएलबीएस रेफर किया था। आईएलबीएस ने लिवर ट्रांसप्लांट के लिए शुरुआत में 14 लाख का खर्चा बताया। ईएसआईसी ने जुलाई 2014 में दिशा-निर्देश का हवाला देते हुए खर्च उठाने से मना कर दिया था।

अमर उजाला - 20 दिसम्बर 2014 - पेज - 8

रिंकू देवी की जिनकी उम्र 25 साल है वो 1 वर्ष से अधिक से दिल की बीमारी से ग्रसित है l उसके दिल का वाल्व रिप्लेसमेंट होना है और रिंकू का दाया हाथ पेरालायसिस है l जिसके वजह से रिंकू का दाया हाथ बिलकुल काम नहीं करता l रिंकू ने पहले लेडी हार्डिंग हॉस्पिटल दिखाया l लेडी हार्डिंग ने रिंकू को जी बी पन्त हॉस्पिटल भेज दिया l जी बी पन्त में वो बहुत परेशान हुए और वह कुछ ख़ास नहीं हो पाया l वो फिर राम मनोहर लोहिया अस्पताल गए तो वहा उनका इलाज़ सुरु हुआ l पर जब ऑपरेशन की बात आई तो राम मनोहर लोहिया ने ऑपरेशन के 1 लाख 5 हज़ार रुपये मांगे l अब रिंकू और उसके पति गंगा राय निराश हो गए की जब सरकारी हॉस्पिटल पैसा मांग रहे है तो वो कहा जाए, उनके पास पैसे नहीं थे जो वो दे सके l गंगा राय एक राशन की दुकान पे काम करता है और किसी तरह घर का खर्चा चलाता है, फिर उन्हें कही से अधिवक्ता अशोक अग्रवाल के बारे में जानकारी मिली तो वो आज सुबह अधिवक्ता अशोक अग्रवाल के पास उनके ऑफिस पहुँचे, अधिवक्ता अशोक अग्रवाल ने उन्हें EWS के तहत फ्री इलाज़ के लिए फोर्टिस एस्कॉर्ट्स हार्ट इंस्टिट्यूट भेजा l

PROHIBIT PRIVATE SCHOOLS FROM TARGETING STUDENTS FOR RECOVERING SCHOOL-FEE - AIPA WRITES TO HRD MINISTER MS. SMRITI IRANI

To

Hon’ble Smt. Smriti Irani

HRD Minister

Government of India

Shastri Bhavan New Delhi-110001

17.12.2014

Sub: Prohibit private schools from targeting students for recovering school-fee

Madam

Times of India 17.12.2014 has reported a shocking incident from Bareilly, U.P. wherein a school Principal beat the seven-year-old upper KG student to death over parents’ failure to deposit the school fee. Not stopping at that he then flung the body on the highway. The report states, “The Principal of DSR Public School in Rath (Deorania), Avinash Saraswat thrashed Mohd. Aaraj as his parents had not been able to pay the Rs.4,500 that was due to the school.”

This is certainly not a stray incident of a student being tortured by the school for non-payment of fee, however the above case is marked by its gravity. The practice of targeting the tender-aged students as means to pressurize the parents to pay fee is quite commonplace in private schools. Students are often singled out and humiliated in class, given reminders and warnings through their school-diaries, beaten up, made to stand outside the class or at the reception or sent back home for non-payment of fee by their parents.

This pernicious practice clearly has a grave impact upon the psychology of tender-aged students and besides affecting their studies, also affects their over-all state of mind and well-being. It reflects an absolutely anti-child, unethical and insensitive approach.

School-fee is a matter between the parents and the school and therefore, the students should not be brought into picture. In case a school has any grievance regarding fee, it should deal directly with the parents. The practice of targeting students in this regard by the schools goes against the ‘best interest of the child’ principle and needs to be prohibited on an urgent basis.

It is therefore requested that in the interest of students, guidelines be issued to all the private schools in the country thereby mandating all the private schools to deal directly with the parents regarding school fee without targeting the students in any manner. School’s failure to comply with such guidelines should entail serious penal consequences.

Yours truly

Ashok Agarwal

National President, AIPA

M; 9811101923

POOR DISABLED SC COUPLE FINED BY MCD FOR CONSTRUCTING TOILET IN THEIR SLUM-DWELLING - SOCIAL JURIST WRITES TO PM MODI

To

Hon’ble Sh. Narendra Modi Ji

Prime Minister of India

7, Race Course road, New Delhi-01

December 15, 2014

Sub: Poor disabled SC couple fined by MCD for constructing toilet in their slum-dwelling

Sir

We have come across a shocking incident pertaining to our capital city wherein the dream of “Swachch Bharat” is being mercilessly crushed at the hands of the Government itself.  While toilets are sought to be given primacy over temples in the national agenda, a poor disabled couple who dares to construct a toilet in their slum-dwelling at their own expense are compelled not only to pay financial penalty but even to demolish the same.

Mr. Ram Khilari (M: 8750257924), a disabled with one eye, lives with his wife, Mrs. Shanti, crippled with both hands and a 15 year-old daughter at House no. 253, Ram Prasad Bismil Camp, Shashi Garden, Delhi-91. The family belongs to a scheduled caste. The locality is a slum-settlement and although there is a community toilet complex in the locality, the same has been closed long time ago. Consequently, the residents are compelled to either ease themselves in the open or walk to a distant toilet facility. In view of the resultant inconvenience to the family including two disabled persons and the safety and dignity of the female-members, the disabled woman Mrs. Shanti herself took the initiative and raised a loan of Rs. 20,000 at an interest-rate of 24% p.a. from a private firm to construct a toilet in her house.

However, the same did not find favor with the MCD. In the garb of the provisions of DMC Act, 1957, Mr. Ram Khilari was fined for Rs.200 by Sh. V.K. Mittal, Special Metropolitan/Municipal Magistrate on November 18, 2014, which is ironically just about a month after the launching of ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ on October 2, 2014. Further, he has been asked to demolish the toilet or face further action. Already reeling under the burden of loan raised for construction of the toilet, the family is now doubly jeopardized.    

The present case is only illustrative. It highlights the plight of a population of over 35 lacs living in over a thousand slums across Delhi, who have no access to clean and safe toilet facility. The situation is very alarming. While the community toilets are either non-existent or defunct, the unpragmatic legal norms, besides financial incapacity, come in the people’s way of making their own arrangements. Consequently, people are forced to defecate in the open. In Ram Khilari’s locality itself, several other house-holds have been fined for constructing their own toilet and put to notice to demolish the same.

A legalistic approach to this issue without keeping the ground-realities in mind would lead us nowhere in tackling the serious issue of sanitation. It is high time to dump the archaic laws if they come in way of finding a solution and develop a governmental approach of assisting rather than discouraging the poor people in this realm. If at all some deficiencies are found in the toilets so constructed, the government may assist them in improving the toilets rather than to levy penalties and require them to demolish the same.

In this light, you are earnestly requested to take appropriate steps to ensure that Ram Khilari’s family and such other families are neither punished nor required to demolish their toilet facilities and instead such families should be encouraged to construct appropriate toilet facilities at their own residences. The fine already charged should also be refunded to them.

Yours truly

Ashok Agarwal, Advocate

Advisor, Social Jurist

M: 9811101923

Christmas task for CBSE schools

Lawyer and education activist Ashok Agarwal said that instead of focusing on qualitative improvement in schools, the government is using diversionary tactics

Christmas task for CBSE schools

School nudge on Xmas Day

Education activist Ashok Agarwal accused the government of using diversionary tactics instead of focusing on improving quality in schools. "It is trying to push the saffron agenda," he alleged.

School nudge on Xmas Day

‘25 फीसद सीटें सामान्य वर्ग के लिए हों आरक्षित’

दोनों समितियों द्वारा दिए गए सुझाव छात्रों के हित में नहीं हैं। ये शिक्षा के व्यवसायीकरण को बढ़ावा देने वाले हैं। नए नियम बनाने के संबंध में हमने उपराज्यपाल को पत्र भी लिखा है।

-अशोक अग्रवाल, अध्यक्ष, ऑल इंडिया पैरेंट्स एसोसिएशन

Dainik Jagran, 12.12.2014, Page-2

Punjab Kesri Delhi, 12.12.2014, Page-8

AMEND DELHI SCHOOL EDUCATION ACT TO PROHIBIT SCREENING PROCEDURE IN NURSERY ADMISSIONS - AIPA WRITES TO DELHI LT. GOVERNOR SHRI NAJEEB JUNG

To
Hon’ble Shri Najeeb Jung
Lt. Governor of Delhi
Raj Niwas, Raj Niwas Marg
New Delhi -110054
December 11, 2014

Sub: Request to immediately bring amendment in Delhi School Education Act, 1973 to protect the rights of children to equal treatment in the matter of nursery admission in unaided recognized private schools

Sir,

Every child has a fundamental right to equal treatment in the matter of admission to nursery class in an unaided recognized private school, which in essence has been incorporated in the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Educaiton Act, 2009. However, the Delhi High Court learned single Judge Judgment dated 28.11.2014 in WP(C) 202/2014 and WP(C) 177/2014 has taken away this right. Unfortunately, a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court vide its Order dated 10.12.2014 in LPA Nos. 769 & 781/2014 has declined to stay this Judgment, leaving hapless children and parents at the mercy of the private schools. This needs to be addressed at your end without loss of any further time to protect the rights of the children particularly their Right to Education.

The learned single Judge in its judgment has held in Para 117 of its judgment which is reproduced as under:-

“117. Also, the restrictions cannot be imposed by way of office orders and that too, without any authority of law. In State of Bihar and Ors. vs. Project Uchcha Vidya, Sikshak Sangh and Ors., (2006) 2 SCC 545 the Supreme Court has held that the restriction under clause 6 of Article 19 of the Constitution can be imposed only by way of a law enacted by a Legislature and not by issuing a circular or a policy decision. Admittedly, no law or restriction has, in the present instance, been placed upon the petitioners by virtue of Article 21-A and Article 15(5) of the Constitution. Consequently, the Government cannot impose a strait jacket formula of admission upon the schools under the guise of reasonable restriction and that too, without any authority of law.”

The Divisions Bench refusal to grant a stay of the learned Single Judge Judgment dated 28.11.2014 shall have a bearing upon the upcoming nursery admission process by giving a free hand to the schools to pick and choose between tiny tots on their own whims and fancies. As a matter of routine, the admission process starts in the month of December itself every year. We are expecting the Director of Education Govt. of NCT of Delhi to file appeal in Hon’ble Supreme Court against the Division Bench Order dated 10.12.2014 declining stay of the learned single Judge Judgment.

However, to put the controversy at rest and resolve the matter for good, the Govt. of NCT of Delhi should immediately bring appropriate amendments in Delhi School Act, 1973. Needless to say that the desired amendments should be on the lines of Section 13 read with Section 2(o) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 which prohibits ‘screening procedure’ in the matter of admission of children in the age group 6 to 14 years. Any delay in this direction would only perpetuate discrimination, arbitrariness and commercialization in education.

Section 13 and 2(o) of RTE Act, 2009 are reproduced as under:-

“13. No capitation fee and screening procedure for admission
1) No school or person shall, while admitting a child, collect any capitation fee and subject the child or his or her parents or guardian to any screening procedure.
2) Any School or person, if in contravention of the provisions of sub-section(1)-
a) receives capitation fee, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to ten times the capitation free charged;
b) subjects a child to screening procedure shall be punishable with fine which may extent twenty-five thousand rupees for the first contravention and fifty thousand rupees for each subsequent contraventions.”
“2. (o) “screening procedure” means the method of selection for admission of a  child, in preference over another, other than a random method;”

We, therefore, earnestly appeal to you to bring necessary amendment in Delhi School Education Act, 1973 in order to make Section 13 of RTE Act, 2009 meaningful. Needless to say, it would be most appropriate to bring the said amendment in the ongoing Parliamentary Session in view of the urgency to address the nursery admissions for the upcoming academic session 2015-16.

With regards

Ashok Agarwal, Advocate
National President, AIPA
M. 9811101923

Insight - Nursery Admission Uncertainty Continues by loksabhatv

दस लाख से अधिक का खर्च नहीं देगी ईएसआई

हिन्दुतान - 08 Dec 2014- Page -6

कलीम की और से अधिवक्ता अशोक अग्रवाल ने बच्चे की लीवर प्रत्यारोपण के लिए ईएसआई को 14 लाख रुपये जारी करने का आदेश देने की मांग की है, उन्होंने कहा है की याचिकाकर्ता का कर्मचारी राज्य बिमा निगम से स्वास्थ बीमा है और इसके बदले वह हर माह तय रकम का भुगतान भी कर रहा है, अधिवक्ता अशोक अग्रवाल ने बीमा धारक और उनके आश्रितों के इलाज़ की सीमा तय किये जाने को मनमाना और असवेधानिक बताते हुए इसे रद्द करने की मांग की है

दो चोटी बांधने पर छात्र को थप्पड़ मारे, परिजन कोट पहुंचे

हिन्दुतान - 07 Dec 2014- Page -2

आथिक रूप से कमजोर वग की छात्र पूजा की तरफ से उनके अधिवक्ता अशोक अग्रवाल ने हाईकोट में याचिका दायर की है। याचिका में कहा गया है कि पूवी दिल्ली के पटपड़गंज स्थित मायो इंटरनेशनल स्कूल की शिक्षिका डॉली ने बगैर किसी पुख्ता वजह छात्र बेइज्जत की। छात्र ने यह भी इल्जाम लगाया है कि शिक्षिका ने अन्य छात्रों के साथ मिलकर उसका मजाक भी बनाया। शिक्षिका के इस रवैये की वजह से कक्षा में उसकी स्थिति हास्यापद बन गई। जबकि उसका कसूर सिफ इतना था कि वह दो चोटी बांधकर स्कूल पहुंची थी। याचिका में यह भी कहा गया है कि बच्ची ने घर पहुंचकर पूरा घटनाक्रम अपनी मां को बताया। मां ने शिक्षिका के इस व्यवहार पर आपत्ति जताई तो स्कूल प्रबंधन ने बच्ची को अनिश्चित्तकाल के निलंबित कर दिया। बच्ची के परिजनों ने स्कूल प्रशासन से निजी तौर पर मिलकर कई बार निलंबन को रद्द करने का आग्रह किया। लेकिन स्कूल प्रशासन ने उनकी एक नहीं सुनी। स्कूल के रवैये से तंग आकर उन्होंने दिल्ली हाईकोट का रुख किया है। अधिवक्ता अग्रवाल का कहना है कि स्कूल का यह कदम शिक्षा का अधिकार कानून 2009 का स्पष्ट उल्लंघन है। छात्र को स्कूल से निलंबित करना न केवल कानून विरुद्ध है, बल्कि बाल अधिकार व शिक्षा के अधिकार का उल्लंघन भी है। इस मामले में माना जा रहा है कि आथिक रूप से कमजोर वग की छात्र के साथ यह पक्षपाती रवैया अपनाया गया है। बताया जाता है कि इससे पहले छात्र के परिजनों ने स्थानीय थाना पुलिस को भी इस बाबत शिकायत की थी। लेकिन पुलिस ने इस पर कोई कारवाई नहीं की। पुलिस द्वारा नहीं सुने जाने पर उन्हें हाईकोट में याचिका दाखिल करनी पड़ी है।

http://epaper.livehindustan.com/story.aspx?id=18966&boxid=28492534&ed_date=2014-12-07&ed_code=1&ed_page=4

SLAPPED AND SUSPENDED BY MAYO INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, CLASS V EWS GIRL MOVES DELHI HIGH COURT—HEARING LIKELY ON MONDAY

Baby Pooja, Class V EWS student who was beaten up by a teacher of Mayo International School, Patparganj for the frivolous reason of having come to school with two pony-tails and when her mother objected to the same, was suspended from school sine die, has today filed a petition in Delhi High Court through Advocate Ashok Agarwal, against the injustice meted out to her by the said school. 

 

Despite persistent requests and persuasion, the school has refused to revoke the suspension. 

On 21.11.2014, baby Pooja had been slapped by her teacher Ms. Dolly and humiliated in front of the entire class for the amusingly absurd reason that she had come to the school with two pony-tails. The next day Pooja’s mother Mamta had met the errant teacher and complained that the child ought not to have been beaten up and the teacher instead should have sent a note in the child’s diary. The teacher had got furious over this and retorted that the parent ought not to make trivial complaints as the school had been ‘obliging’ them as the student was studying under EWS category. At the end of the same day, student had been handed over a suspension-letter by the school, thereby suspending the child from the school till further orders over the alleged ground of her parents having “misbehaved with the school staff and used indecent language for her.”

The petition states, “The action of suspending the petitioner-student on the part of the school is absolutely illegal, grossly illogical and violative of the provisions of the RTE Act, 2009. It is also discriminatory against the EWS student and places the EWS child at a disadvantage vis-à-vis the general students. Inflicting corporal punishment upon child is itself illegal and violative of the provisions of the RTE Act, 2009.” 

The petition is likely to come up for hearing on Monday 08.12.2014.

Ashok Agarwal, Advocate

M: 9811101923

06.12.2014