Delhi Court Orders Action Against Dummy Schools

In a significant move, the Delhi High Court has directed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Delhi Government to take stringent action against “dummy” schools operating in the National Capital Territory (NCT). This decision comes after the court took note of how these schools were allegedly allowing students to bypass mandatory attendance requirements while gaining undue benefits, such as Delhi domicile status, to secure admission in sought-after educational programs.

What Are Dummy Schools?

Dummy schools are institutions that exist more in name than in function. These schools enroll students who, instead of attending regular classes, primarily attend coaching centers to prepare for competitive exams. Despite not fulfilling the minimum attendance criteria required by educational boards, these students are allowed to appear for board exams based on false attendance records provided by the schools.

The court has deemed this practice a “fraud” that undermines the education system and violates the law. Dummy schools also create unfair advantages for non-resident students seeking to avail of state-specific benefits, such as Delhi State Quota (DSQ) in higher education institutions.

Court’s Observations and Orders

1. Fraudulent Practice

A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela observed that the dummy school system is a breach of educational integrity. It facilitates students to bypass mandatory attendance norms and allows them to focus solely on coaching classes.

The bench remarked, “It has been noticed that students do not attend classes in schools; rather, they spend time in coaching centers. However, they are allowed to take examinations by education boards where they are required to put in requisite minimum attendance. We cannot permit this fraud to continue.”

2. Action Plan Directed

The court ordered the Delhi Government and CBSE to conduct inspections, including surprise checks, to identify dummy schools. It also instructed both authorities to submit affidavits detailing the actions taken against such schools.

Delhi Government’s Response

The Delhi Government counsel denied the existence of dummy schools and dismissed concerns about “fake admissions” as exaggerated. They maintained that schools under their jurisdiction follow affiliation norms and that necessary action is taken against any violations. However, the court was unconvinced and questioned the lack of comprehensive action, especially in cases where fake admissions have already been identified.

The counsel acknowledged that action was initiated in two such cases but was unable to provide broader details on tackling the systemic issue.

CBSE’s Role and Commitment

The CBSE counsel informed the court that over 300 dummy schools across the country had already faced action. The board agreed to collaborate with the Delhi Government to identify additional cases and ensure necessary penalties for non-compliance.

The bench emphasized the need for a coordinated effort, stating, “CBSE will also gather information and share it with the state government. Once such information is received, necessary action permissible in law be taken against the management of such schools.”

Impact on Delhi State Quota (DSQ)

One of the core issues linked to dummy schools is their exploitation for securing DSQ benefits. Students from other states allegedly enroll in dummy schools in Delhi after passing their Class 10 exams to claim Delhi domicile for higher education admissions. This was highlighted in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by petitioner Rajeev Aggarwal.

The PIL

The petitioner challenged the eligibility criteria applied by Delhi University (DU) and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) for granting MBBS and BDS seats under DSQ. He argued that dummy schools acted as a “virtual platform” for students to falsely claim Delhi residency, thereby unfairly competing with bona fide Delhi residents.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for May, where the petitioner’s concerns will be addressed in further detail.

Why Is This Issue Significant?

Undermining Educational Standards
Dummy schools compromise the very foundation of the education system by allowing students to bypass crucial learning years, focusing instead on exam preparation without engaging in holistic development.
Domicile Manipulation
The practice creates an unfair playing field for genuine residents of Delhi, as it enables out-of-state students to exploit loopholes for admission in prestigious institutions.
Erosion of Trust
The existence of dummy schools erodes public trust in the education system, with institutions failing to uphold their core responsibilities.

Court’s Way Forward

The Delhi High Court has set a strong precedent by addressing this systemic issue. It has directed the authorities to:

Conduct thorough inspections and surveys to identify dummy schools.
Share actionable information between CBSE and the Delhi Government.
Take legal action against schools that fail to comply with regulations.

The court’s proactive measures signal a strong stance against fraudulent practices in the education sector, ensuring accountability and fairness.

Conclusion

The Delhi High Court’s directive against dummy schools is a landmark step toward reforming the education system and safeguarding the rights of genuine students. The crackdown not only addresses a fraudulent practice but also reinforces the importance of integrity in educational institutions.

With continued vigilance and collaboration between CBSE, the Delhi Government, and the judiciary, the issue of dummy schools can be effectively tackled, ensuring a more transparent and equitable system for all stakeholders.