Delhi school building lying unused since 2011, HC asks Govt

Delhi High Court has asked Government's response on a plea of a school where the building is lying unused since 2011.

A government school building constructed in 2011-12 is not functional and lying unutilised. The Delhi High Court has sought the Delhi government's response to a plea by an NGO regarding this building. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Navin Chawla issued a notice and sought the response of the Delhi government and Directorate of Education (DoE) on the petition which also sought to take action against the officials who are answerable for their "lackadaisical attitude and dereliction of duties".

The petition will be further heard on March 29. The petition by NGO Lakshya submitted that a full-fledged school -- Rajkiya Uchh Madhyammik Balika Vidyalaya -- in Joshi Colony in IP Extension here was constructed and developed in 2011-12 and lying unutilised in a poor condition.

The NGO, through its president Sanju, claimed that anti-social elements are stealing articles, including iron gates, windows, water taps, and washbasins, from the building and consuming alcohol and other contraband substances there.

Advocate Sanjay Bhardwaj, appearing for the NGO, said the petitioner sought information from DoE under RTI regarding the school building and the authorities responded that the building had not been handed over to them. However, the department was mute with regard to information about the reason for the non-operation of the building.

It said the school building was constructed with funds from the exchequer and if the petition is allowed, it will benefit students and society, the plea said.

The school building was inaugurated by a Member of Parliament and other higher officials of DoE in 2014, it said.