Taking measurements for every student's uniform is difficult; Delhi HC upholds cash payment system

Delhi Schools: Students from the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) and DG (Disadvantaged Group) categories studying in private schools in Delhi will continue to receive direct cash payments for school uniforms. The Delhi High Court has ordered the continuation of this arrangement.

Delhi Schools: The Delhi High Court has upheld the Delhi government's policy of providing cash assistance to students from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Disadvantaged Group (DG) categories for the purchase of school uniforms. The court dismissed a petition challenging this policy, ensuring that the system of providing direct financial aid for uniforms to EWS and DG category students in Delhi's private schools remains in place.

What is the matter about?

This issue pertains to the provision of free uniforms, books, and other educational materials to children from EWS and DG categories in private schools, as mandated under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. An NGO, 'Justice For All', had demanded that instead of providing cash, the actual school uniforms should be supplied to the eligible children.

On June 10, 2025, the Delhi government formulated a policy to provide financial assistance for uniforms. The government argued that taking measurements for every student, procuring fabric specific to the uniforms of various schools, arranging for tailoring, and distributing the uniforms on time is a lengthy and arduous process. Consequently, the government decided to provide cash assistance for the purchase of uniforms.

What did the Delhi High Court say?

A division bench of the Delhi High Court, comprising Justice Subramonium Prasad and Justice Renu Bhatnagar, dismissed the review petition. The court noted that the petitioner had merely reiterated arguments that had already been presented; the relevant law and the government's policy had already been considered in the previous judgment.

According to the court, judicial intervention in a government policy is warranted only when the policy is so arbitrary that such intervention becomes necessary. The bench observed that the government's decision to provide cash assistance in lieu of uniforms cannot be termed as entirely arbitrary.

What are the provisions under the RTE Act?

The Right to Education (RTE) Act mandates the provision of free and compulsory education, along with essential educational facilities, to eligible children. In this matter, the High Court had previously noted that while the relevant rules mention the provision of uniforms, they do not mandate that the government must, in every instance, supply pre-stitched uniforms.

The Court had already approved the Delhi government's cash assistance policy in January 2026. Now, with the dismissal of the review petition, the request to alter that decision has also been rejected.

What is the amount of financial assistance provided for uniforms?

According to available reports, the Delhi government's policy includes a provision to provide financial assistance ranging from ₹1,250 to ₹1,700 to eligible students for the purchase of uniforms. The exact amount of assistance will be determined based on the relevant rules and eligibility criteria.

Note: This decision pertains to the policy applicable to eligible students under the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) and DG (Disadvantaged Group) categories in the relevant schools in Delhi. It should not be construed as a rule applicable to schools across all states in the country.