SOCIAL JURIST

ACIVIL RIGHTS GROUP

09.01.2007

To,                                                                                                

Hon’ble Mrs. Shiela Dikshit

Chief Minister

Govt. of NCT of Delhi

Secretariat, I.P. Estate

New Delhi - 110002

Sub: Provision for English Newspapers for students of classes 9 to 12 of all Govt. and Govt. aided schools in Delhi

Respected Madam,

We would like to bring to your kind notice that almost all unaided private schools in Delhi are providing leading English newspapers (TOI or HT) to all students of classes 3 onwards though they are charging small amount from the students for the same. I understand that this facility is provided to the students keeping in mind the present scenario of Globalization, Liberalization and Privatization. In such a scenario, it is very necessary for every person to have a command on English language. I strongly feel that such facility in any case cultivates a habit of reading newspaper which is bound to have impact on the overall development of the young children.

That the aforesaid facility of providing one of the leading English newspapers to the students is not available to the students of Govt. and Govt. aided schools. I am sure that if such facility is provided to the students of classes 9 to 12 of all the Govt. and Govt. aided schools, it will go a long way in all round development of the students. Of course, this facility has to be free and whatever may be the cost, it has to be borne by the Govt. If this facility is provided, it will also enhance the prestige of the Govt. schools and the Govt. schools will become more attractive for the students. It may be one of the steps needed for the education reforms in the present competitive society.

I hope that you may consider my request for providing one of the leading English newspapers to the students of classes 9 to 12 of all the Govt. and Govt. aided schools in Delhi at the earliest

Thanking you,

Yours truly,

Ashok Agarwal, Advocate

Advisor, Social Jurist

Copy to: Ms. Rina Ray, Secretary Education, for information and necessary action please.