20% Free Seats Must By Schools On Subsidised Land

New Delhi, May 7 (UNI) The Delhi government has issued orders twice in the last three years under court directions to provide children from weaker sections at least 20 per cent free seats in schools given concessional land, Parliament was told today.

Minister of State for Human Resource Development M A A Fatmi was replying to questions raised by Bharatiya Janata Party member Krishan Lal Balmiki in Rajya Sabha.

Balmiki wanted to know whether schools built on concessional land are required to admit poor children, whether complaints of non-compliance were received and what action was taken.

Fatmi said that on being directed by Delhi High Court on January 20, 2004 to frame rules to provide 20 per cent freeship for children from economically weaker sections in unaided private schools allotted land by government agencies, Delhi Education Directorate had issued an order dated April 27, 2004.

The government issued a fresh notification on January 25, 2007 following a High Court direction to provide such students at least 20 per cent free seats.

As to whether complaints of non-compliance were received and action taken to ensure compliance, Fatmi said, ''the matter is sub judice.'' UNI