RTE Quota Students Made to Do Menial Work; Chhattisgarh High Court Seeks Explanation

Raipur: The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken serious note of allegations that students studying under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE) were forced to perform menial labour at a private school in Surajpur district of Chhattisgarh.

The court has sought an explanation from the principal of DAV Public School, Surajpur after reports emerged that children admitted under the RTE quota were allegedly made to participate in construction-related activities, including carrying construction materials and doing whitewashing work on the school premises.

According to the allegations, the students were asked to perform these tasks during school hours instead of attending their regular classes. The incident reportedly came to light after complaints were raised by parents and local residents, who accused the school administration of exploiting children belonging to economically weaker sections.

Taking cognisance of the matter, the High Court expressed concern over the alleged violation of children’s rights and the misuse of students admitted under the RTE scheme, which aims to provide free and quality education to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The court has directed the school authorities to submit a detailed explanation regarding the allegations and clarify under what circumstances the students were made to carry out such work. It also asked the concerned education department officials to provide a report on the incident.

Legal observers said the matter is significant as forcing students to perform manual labour could amount to a violation of child protection laws as well as the provisions of the RTE Act.

The High Court indicated that strict action could follow if the allegations are found to be true. Further hearings in the case are expected after the authorities submit their responses and investigation reports.