Shocking Contradiction: Delhi Govt’s U-Turn on School Admissions for ‘Illegal Bangladeshis’

The Delhi government’s recent directive to schools to prevent the unauthorized admission of illegal Bangladeshi migrants by verifying documents contradicts several existing orders, including one from April this year. According to Delhi’s admission policies for government schools, proof of birthdate and residence are typically required, yet children lacking these documents should not be denied entry. Instead, school authorities are expected to assist in obtaining necessary documents, granting provisional admission for 30 days based on a simple undertaking on plain paper.

Teachers and principals from Delhi’s government schools have long adhered to a policy of admitting students regardless of documentation, in line with the Right to Education Act. Educators note they lack the authority to determine the legal status of migrants and are directed to request voter IDs, Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and birth certificates from parents. Nevertheless, many children, particularly those from migrant families seeking work in Delhi, do not possess such documents.

A principal from a municipal school in East Delhi highlighted that ongoing litigation and scrutiny have led to schools assisting students in acquiring necessary documentation post-admission. Many students in the area, including those from nearby regions like Ghaziabad or those who recently moved from villages in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, often arrive without any identification or birth certificates. This new order is expected to alter admission processes significantly.

An official from the Directorate of Education confirmed that, although no formal guidelines have been issued concerning permissible documents, expectations remain for all children to have Aadhaar cards and birth certificates. This directive marks a notable shift from the established inclusive admission practices in Delhi’s government schools, raising concerns about its impact on access to education for undocumented children.

Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-govt-tells-schools-to-stop-admission-of-illegal-bangladeshis-how-this-contradicts-its-own-policy-9743240/
Category : Cities,Delhi
Tags:
Publish Date: 2024-12-25 05:18:00