Gauhati HC Orders Pvt Institutions To Provide Free Education To BPL Students

Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has ordered private educational institutions to offer free education to 25% of its BPL (Below Poverty Line) students.

The state government was mandated by the court to guarantee free education for the BPL applicants in private institutions.

The High Court issued its ruling after the “We for Guwahati” Foundation filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). They emphasised that the Right to Education department’s noncompliance had not resulted with any directives being sent to private educational institutions to give free education to BPL students.

The state government testified in court with an affidavit, but it did not follow the act’s requirements.

The education officer was ordered by the court to personally verify that BPL students attending private colleges receive free education.

Education activists who have been calling for universal access to education have applauded the decision. Thousands of students from disadvantaged families who were previously turned away from private colleges owing to their financial situation are anticipated to gain from this.

The decision of the Gauhati High Court is an important step in ensuring that the Right to Education Act of 2009 is effectively enforced and that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to education.