Delhi High Court Allows Cash Transfer for EWS Students Instead of Physical Uniforms
Court says direct benefit transfer ensures dignity and flexibility for poor families
Ruling modifies earlier order, strengthens right to education for disadvantaged children
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: January 26, 2026:
In a landmark decision, the Delhi High Court has modified its earlier order and permitted the government to provide cash transfers instead of physical uniforms to students belonging to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category. The ruling is expected to benefit thousands of children studying in private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, ensuring that financial support reaches families directly and empowers them to make choices best suited to their needs.
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The judgment, delivered by Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, comes after petitions challenging the government’s earlier practice of supplying uniforms directly to schools. The Court emphasized that direct benefit transfer (DBT) is a more dignified and efficient way of supporting poor families, reducing administrative delays and giving parents flexibility in purchasing uniforms.
Background of the Case
Under the RTE Act, private schools in Delhi are required to reserve 25% of seats for children from EWS and disadvantaged groups. The government provides financial assistance to cover expenses such as uniforms, books, and stationery.
Previously, the Delhi government supplied physical uniforms to schools, which were then distributed to EWS students. However, this system faced criticism for delays, poor quality, and lack of choice. Parents argued that children often received uniforms late or in sizes that did not fit properly.
Petitions were filed seeking modification of the system, requesting that the government transfer funds directly to families instead of supplying uniforms.
Court’s Observations
The Delhi High Court made several important observations:
- Dignity of Families: Direct cash transfers respect the dignity of poor families, allowing them to decide how and where to purchase uniforms.
- Efficiency: DBT reduces administrative burden and eliminates delays in procurement and distribution.
- Flexibility: Parents can buy uniforms of the right size and quality, ensuring children attend school with confidence.
- Right to Education: The Court emphasized that financial support under the RTE Act must be implemented in a way that strengthens the child’s right to education, not hinder it.
Why This Judgment Matters
This ruling is significant for several reasons:
- Empowers Families: Parents now have control over how to spend the money, ensuring better outcomes for children.
- Reduces Corruption: Cash transfers minimize opportunities for misuse of funds in procurement contracts.
- Improves Access: Timely financial support ensures children are not forced to miss school due to lack of uniforms.
- Sets Precedent: The judgment may influence similar policies in other states, encouraging DBT for education-related expenses.
Wider Implications
Legal experts believe this ruling will reshape how governments implement welfare schemes for education. Direct benefit transfers are already used in programs like PM-Kisan and scholarship schemes and extending them to school uniforms reflects a broader shift toward cash-based support.
For Delhi, the ruling means that thousands of EWS families will receive funds directly in their bank accounts, ensuring transparency and accountability. It also highlights the judiciary’s role in ensuring that welfare schemes are implemented in a way that truly benefits the intended recipients.
Voices from the Ground
Parents and activists welcomed the ruling, saying it will reduce the humiliation often faced by EWS children when they received ill-fitting or poor-quality uniforms.
Education activists noted that uniforms are more than clothing—they symbolize equality in schools. Allowing families to purchase proper uniforms ensures that EWS children feel included and confident.
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Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s decision to permit cash transfers instead of physical uniforms for EWS students is a milestone in education and welfare policy. By prioritizing dignity, efficiency, and flexibility, the Court has ensured that financial support under the RTE Act truly empowers families and strengthens the right to education.
This ruling is not just about uniforms—it is about giving poor families the freedom to make choices, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and ensuring that every child attends school with confidence and dignity.
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