Delhi HC refuses to waive cost on SDMC for not requisitioning spl educators vacancies in schools

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court Wednesday refused to modify its order imposing a cost of Rs 25,000 on South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) for not sending to the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) the requisition of over 1100 vacant posts of special educators in the school run by the civic body.

Justice Najmi Waziri said teachers were not appointed for many years which is a proven fact as the vacancy is for 1132 special educators which, surely has not arisen in a year.

The high court said the delay was not explained by the corporation and there was no reason to modify its order imposing the cost of SDMC and rejected an application for waiver of the amount.

The high court was hearing a contempt petition by the NGO Social Jurist, through advocate Ashok Agarwal, against the Delhi government, DSSSB and MCDs to ensure zero teacher vacancy in schools here.

The high court observed that the petitioner has pursued the matter as a public spirited person so the cost be paid to him.

Meanwhile, the court was informed by the counsel for DSSSB that the SDMC commissioner, who is the nodal officer for all the three MCDs, has ensured that requisition of teachers be send to the board.

Advocate Avnish Ahlawat, representing DSSSB, said the application is in order and it shall be worked upon in right earnest and the process has been initiated and public notice will be issued on February 28.

The court was informed that the final list of selected candidates will be given to the MCDs by November 2021.

To this, the court said this process is very long and whole year would be taken which will deprive children with special needs of the care they require from special educators.

The court said let the schedule be expedited and asked DSSSB to revise the schedule and file it again while listing the matter for further hearing on February 23.