Supreme Court censures NCPCR over weak EWS quota enforcement

The Supreme Court has pulled up the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) for what it termed an 'indifferent' approach to implementing the 25 per cent economically weaker sections (EWS) quota in educational institutions. The rebuke came as the court reviewed progress on a January 13 order that had explicitly directed stricter enforcement of section 12(1)(c) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.

Section 12(1)(c) of the landmark legislation mandates that private schools reserve at least 25 per cent of seats in each class for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with the state bearing the cost of education. The provision aims to promote educational equity and ensure access for marginalised sections of society.

The court's monitoring order indicates that compliance levels across schools remain inconsistent, with the NCPCR—the statutory body tasked with oversight—not demonstrating sufficient rigour in its supervisory role. The Supreme Court's intervention underscores growing judicial concern over the gap between legislative intent and ground-level implementation in school admissions.

The case highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing constitutional commitments to inclusive education in India. As the court continues its oversight, the NCPCR is expected to intensify its monitoring mechanisms and take corrective action to ensure schools fully adhere to EWS quota requirements.