Bilaspur
Under the Right to Education (RTE) in the state, the High Court has summoned the reply from the State Government and Education Department for the lack of admission of EWS and BPL class children properly. The court has also sought clarification regarding the recently implemented new rules for cuts in RTE seats, irregularity in admission and fake entry.
The petition alleged that large private schools are deliberately dismissing applications under RTE. After this, these seats are being filled with donation and fees. It has also been said in the petition that only three percent of the total seats in the major private schools of the state are being filled under RTE.
It is a matter of concern that in the last one year, the number of admissions under RTE has come down by about 1.25 lakh. The court has sought detailed information from the government and the education department for admission in 25 percent reserved seats of RTE in the last years and vacant seats.
Also asked that if the vacant seats were filled in the open category, then what process was adopted for it. In addition, the court has directed the government to give information about the entire structure of RTE admission.
Samaj Sevi filed a public interest litigation
Bhilai’s senior social worker CV Bhagwant Rao has filed a PIL in this case. In this petition filed through advocate Devarshi Singh, four dozen private schools were made parties in the past. In the earlier hearing, the High Court issued notice to these schools.
This legal battle of right to education under RTE has been going on since 2012. In 2016, the High Court also issued detailed guidelines. However, private schools did not implement them properly.
In view of this negligence and irregularity, a petition has been filed again. Taking the matter seriously, the High Court has directed the government and the education department to submit a detailed report.
Bar Council Election, High Court asked to present schedule
On the PIL filed for the election of Chhattisgarh State Bar Council, the High Court has directed the Bar Council of India (BCI) and the State Bar Council (SBC) to prepare the proposed election schedule and present it in the court. The next hearing in this case will be held on 18 March.
Earlier, during the hearing in the High Court on Monday, the court expressed displeasure over the state bar council not being held for the last six years. The court asked about the status of following its order passed on 18 February 2025. Also, expressed dissatisfaction over not filing affidavits by BCI.
The division bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Kumar Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Aggarwal discussed compliance with the earlier order. The BCI advocate informed that the affidavit has been sent by the secretary, but it was not received by the High Court.
The court expressed displeasure over this. It is worth noting that in the February 18 hearing, the High Court had directed the BCI and SBC to ensure that the election program be prepared as per BCI rules and notifications, so that there is no delay in the election.