HC expresses anguish at MCD

New Delhi, Feb 11 (PTI) The Delhi High Court todayexpressed its anguish at the MCD for failing to make properportable cabins in schools, which are run in tents, despiteits repeated directions.

A division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra andJustice Sanjeev Khanna said the condition of the schools is"pathetic" despite the fact that the court has grantedsufficient time to the MCD for replacing the tents withportable cabins.

The bench made the observation after watching the CD,prepared by a committee comprising of three lawyers whovisited 11 such schools.

The bench found that portable cabins were installed inseveral schools but officials failed to take care ofproper painting of walls, sitting arrangements and lightingsystem in the room.

Directing MCD officials concerned to take correctivemeasures within six weeks, the court also pointed out that insome cabins it was found the electric connection have beenleft open putting the lives of children to danger.

Earlier, the agency was directed to make water-proofportable cabins in place of tents keeping in view the chillywinter so that the students attend classes in full strength.

As per the committee report, due to the poor conditionof schools the teachers were not attending the classesregularly and as a result the students were deprived fromtheir right to education.

Setting up a committee comprising three lawyers --Najmi Waziri, Standing Counsel for Delhi government, S K Dubeyand Ashok Aggarwal, the bench had asked them to visit 41 suchschools running in tents.

The court order had come after it converted into a PILa letter written by more than 100 students addressing theChief Justice and drawing his attention to the condition oftheir schools.

The students also alleged the authorities haveviolated the Right to Education Act.