JOIN USBudget schools not to be closed
Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna on Wednesday gave his nod to affect amendment in the Master Plan of Delhi (MPD) 2021, which will ensure that neighbourhood schools, whether recognised or unrecognised, fulfilling MPD-2021 norms or otherwise will not be closed with effect from April 1, 2013.
The fear of closure was looming over these schools with the implementation of the RTE Act, 2009 especially Section 18 of the Act that bans recognition of schools that do not have mandatory prescribed land area. Chief minister Sheila Dikhsit had taken up the matter with the LG to amend relevant provisions relating to land norms in respect of the minimum area of the school referred in the MPD 2021.
The implementation of the Act for recognition had made mandatory an area of 800 sqm for primary schools, and 2,000 sqm for senior secondary schools.
With several schools functioning on less than the prescribed area in Delhi, it was feared that schools will not be able to operate after April 1, 2013.
Dikshit had said it has since become essential to review land norms in respect of primary and elementary schools so that the maximum number of schools could be brought under the fold of recognition.
Khanna, in his communication to the government, said he is in full agreement with the suggestions related to amendment to the MPD submitted by Dikshit. “He has also advised the government to proceed on the basis that the necessary change will be affected in the MPD. Hence, as per the decision taken by the Lt Governor, no school will face closure,” said a senior Delhi government officer.
The proposed amendment will result in a big relief for thousands of children studying in neighbourhood schools, likely to be recognised soon.