Delhi: Big relief for students studying in neighborhood schools

New Delhi: The stand taken by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has been vindicated as Lt. Governor of Delhi has agreed to effect amendment in MPD-2021. The amendment would ensure that neighbourhood schools whether recognized or un-recognized, fulfilling MPD-2021 norms or otherwise would not be closed with effect from 1st April, 2013. The fear of closure was looming over these schools with the implementation of the RTE Act, 2009, especially Section 18 of the Act.
It may be recalled that the Chief Minister had taken up the matter with the Lt. Governor to amend the relevant provisions relating to land norms in respect of the minimum area of the school referred in the Master Plan for Delhi-2021. The implementation of the Act for recognition had made mandatory an area of 800 sq.meter for the primary schools and an area of 2000 sq. meter for senior secondary schools.

As large number of schools are functioning over less than prescribed area in the Capital city, it was feared that schools would not be able to operate after 1st April, 2013. Smt. Dikshit had stated that it has since become essential to review the land norms in respect of primary and elementary schools so that maximum number of schools could be brought under fold of recognition.
The Lt. Governor Shri Tejendra Khanna, in his communication, has stated that he is in full agreement with the suggestions related to amendment to MPD submitted by the Chief Minister. He has also advised the government to proceed on the basis that the necessary change will be effected in the MPD.