The Delhi Education Department has recently issued a clear directive to all recognized private schools, emphasizing that only textbooks approved by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) or the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) should be used for elementary classes.
This directive is part of an effort to ensure adherence to the Right to Education (RTE) Act of 2009, which aims to provide free and compulsory education to all children aged 6 to 14.
The mandate specifies that any school requiring students to study from textbooks not listed by NCERT or SCERT will be in direct violation of the RTE Act. This means that schools must strictly follow the prescribed list of textbooks to avoid legal repercussions. The purpose behind this directive is to standardize the quality of education and ensure that all students have access to consistent and reliable educational material.
Delhi Government Mandates Use of NCERT and SCERT Textbooks
The Delhi government has issued a clear instruction to all recognized private schools: they cannot force young students to use any textbooks other than those approved by NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) and SCERT (State Council of Educational Research and Training).
This instruction is part of a circular aimed at enforcing Section 29 of the Right to Education Act, 2009. This law requires that the curriculum and evaluation methods for elementary education be set by an academic authority chosen by the government.
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has stated that no child should be treated unfairly, harassed, or ignored just because they are using books from NCERT or SCERT. If any school causes mental or physical suffering to a student over this issue, it will be subject to the rules of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
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New Directive Against Discrimination and Harassment in Schools
The directive highlights that children should not face any form of discrimination, harassment, or neglect for using books that have been approved by academic authorities. It stresses that any violation of these guidelines, resulting in mental or physical suffering for students, could lead to legal action under the Juvenile Justice Act 2015.
To ensure these guidelines are widely known and followed, the education department has instructed schools to prominently display them on their websites and noticeboards. This visibility helps reinforce the importance of the directive and ensures that everyone in the school community is aware of the rules.
Furthermore, schools are required to distribute copies of the directive to parents. This step is crucial for raising awareness and ensuring that parents are informed about the protections in place for their children. It helps create a supportive environment where parents can also hold schools accountable.
School heads have been directed to communicate this information to all students, parents, and members of the school’s managing committee.
This comprehensive dissemination ensures that the message reaches every part of the school community, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining a uniform educational standard and safeguarding the well-being of students. This directive aims to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive educational environment for all students.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. What is the new directive issued by the Delhi Education Department for private schools?
Ans. The Delhi Education Department mandates that recognized private schools must only use textbooks approved by NCERT or SCERT for elementary classes, as part of the RTE Act 2009 enforcement.
Q.2. Why are private schools required to use only NCERT or SCERT textbooks?
Ans. The requirement to use only NCERT or SCERT ensures standardization of educational quality and adherence to the Right to Education Act 2009, which mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14.
Q.3. What are the consequences for schools not following the textbook directive?
Ans. Schools using unapproved textbooks will violate the RTE Act and may face legal repercussions. Additionally, causing mental or physical suffering to students over this issue could invoke the Juvenile Justice Act 2015.
Q.4. How is the directive being communicated to the school community?
Ans. Schools must display the directive on their websites and noticeboards, distribute copies to parents, and ensure all students, parents, and school managing committee members are informed.
Q.5. What is the aim of this new directive from the Delhi Education Department?
Ans. The directive aims to provide a consistent and reliable educational standard, safeguard student well-being, and create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students.
