Delhi High Court has cleared the government’s plan to transfer cash directly to private school students under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Disadvantaged Group (DG) categories for their school uniforms, rejecting a prior order that demanded in‑kind distribution. The ruling, delivered by a bench headed by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Subramonium Prasad, acknowledges the logistical challenges of measuring, ordering and delivering uniforms to thousands of students and allows the state to provide a subsidy through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) instead.
Background and Context
The decision comes amid growing pressure on Delhi’s education authorities to ensure that EWS students in both aided and unaided private schools receive the same benefits as their peers in government schools. In April 2023, a petition filed by the NGO Justice For All sought free books, uniforms and study materials for EWS students, leading the court to issue an order mandating the Delhi government to supply these items in kind. The government, citing operational constraints, requested a modification of the order, arguing that the Right to Education (RTE) Act and the 2011 Rules do not prescribe that uniforms must be provided as physical goods.
Delhi’s education department had already drafted a new policy in June 2025, setting a uniform subsidy of ₹1,250 to ₹1,700 per student, depending on the type of school and the student’s family income. The policy aimed to streamline procurement and distribution while ensuring that students could purchase uniforms from local vendors before the new academic session began.
Key Developments
In its verdict, the Delhi High Court highlighted the “genuine difficulties” faced by authorities in processing individual orders for every student. The bench noted that:
- Measuring each student, placing orders on the Government e‑Marketplace (GeM) portal, coordinating with manufacturers, and ensuring timely delivery would be logistically impossible before the new school term.
- The RTE Act’s mandate to provide uniforms is not limited to in‑kind distribution; a cash subsidy is a permissible alternative.
- The government’s June 2025 policy was found to be sound, with no evidence of malfeasance or procedural infirmity.
Chief Justice Upadhyaya remarked, “The court does not find fault with the policy dated June 10, 2025. Consequently, the April 13, 2023 order is modified to the extent applicable to uniforms. GNCTD is directed to ensure that adequate amounts are provided in accordance with the policy well within time.”
Justice Subramonium Prasad added, “The move to give a subsidy through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is not contrary to the mandate of the Right to Education Act and will ensure timely availability of uniforms.”
Impact Analysis
For the approximately 1.2 million EWS students enrolled in private schools across Delhi, the ruling means that parents will receive a cash transfer of up to ₹1,700 per child. This amount is expected to cover the cost of a standard school uniform, which typically ranges between ₹1,200 and ₹1,800 depending on the school’s specifications.
According to the Delhi Education Department, about 45% of private school students fall under the EWS category, translating to roughly 540,000 beneficiaries. The cash transfer is projected to reach these families within 30 days of the new academic session’s commencement, ensuring that students can purchase uniforms without delay.
Financial analysts estimate that the total expenditure for the uniform subsidy will be around ₹900 crore for the fiscal year, a significant but manageable addition to the state’s education budget. The government has earmarked funds from the Consolidated Fund of India and the Delhi State Education Fund to cover the cost.
Parents and student associations have welcomed the decision. “This is a relief for many families who struggle to afford uniforms,” said Ritu Sharma, president of the Delhi Parents’ Association. “Cash transfers give us the flexibility to choose the best quality uniforms for our children.”
Expert Insights and Practical Guidance
Education policy experts suggest that the cash transfer model offers several advantages over in‑kind distribution:
- Flexibility: Parents can choose uniforms that fit their child’s size and preferences, reducing the risk of mismatched or ill-fitting garments.
- Speed: Direct transfers eliminate the time lag associated with procurement and logistics, ensuring that students are ready for school on the first day.
- Transparency: The DBT system tracks each transaction, reducing the potential for corruption or misallocation of funds.
However, experts also caution that the success of the scheme hinges on effective implementation. “The government must ensure that the transfer process is seamless and that beneficiaries are aware of how to claim the subsidy,” advised Dr. Anil Gupta, a professor of public policy at the University of Delhi. “Clear communication through school officials and local NGOs will be key.”
For parents, the following steps can help maximize the benefit:
- Verify eligibility by submitting the required income certificates and EWS documentation to the school’s administration.
- Track the DBT transfer through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) or the bank’s online portal.
- Purchase uniforms from registered vendors to ensure quality and compliance with school guidelines.
- Keep receipts and submit them to the school for record‑keeping and potential future audits.
Looking Ahead
The Delhi High Court’s ruling sets a precedent for other states grappling with similar challenges in providing educational benefits to economically disadvantaged students. It underscores the flexibility of the RTE Act in allowing cash subsidies as a viable alternative to in‑kind distribution.
In the coming months, the Delhi government plans to conduct a pilot program in select districts to fine‑tune the DBT process, monitor the quality of uniforms purchased, and gather feedback from students and parents. The results of this pilot will inform a broader rollout across the city.
Additionally, the government is exploring partnerships with local textile manufacturers to offer discounted rates for bulk purchases, potentially reducing the overall cost of uniforms while supporting local industry.
Students and parents should stay informed about the eligibility criteria, transfer timelines, and any changes to the subsidy amount. The Delhi Education Department will publish detailed guidelines on its official website and through school newsletters.
As the new academic year approaches, the cash transfer scheme is poised to ease the financial burden on families and ensure that EWS students can attend school in proper attire, fostering a more inclusive and equitable educational environment.
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