HC seeks response of MCD and Delhi Govt on PIL for needy students suffering from poor eyesight
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Delhi High Court Pushes for Free Spectacles for Poor-Sighted Students in Government Schools
In a big step for children’s education, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Delhi government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to respond to a key Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The PIL demands free spectacles for needy students in government and MCD schools who struggle with poor eyesight.
The petition comes from Social Jurist, a group fighting for civil rights. They point out that around 5% of students in these schools need vision correction. With about 15 lakh kids in Delhi government schools and 7 lakh in MCD schools, that means roughly one lakh children could be facing vision problems right now.
The court bench, led by the Chief Justice, took the issue seriously. They directed officials to check the current school health scheme and build a stronger system if needed. The next hearing is set for November 19.
Lawyers Ashok Agarwal and Kumar Utkarsh filed the PIL. They argue that without quick action, lakhs of children from low-income families lose their basic right to education. Many of these kids can’t afford spectacles, so they struggle to read blackboards or textbooks. This setup, the plea says, breaks key laws like Articles 14, 21, and 21A of the Indian Constitution, the Right to Education Act 2009, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, and the Delhi School Education Act 1973.
To back their case, the petition shares data from eye camps held between December 2024 and August 2025. In those camps, volunteers distributed 663 spectacles, confirming the 5% need rate. It also highlights school visits and complaints since February 2025, showing no regular eye check-ups or fast fixes from authorities.
The PIL urges immediate changes: mass eye exams in all Delhi government and MCD schools, free spectacles handed out within a week of spotting issues, and yearly vision tests for every student. This could help ensure no child misses out on learning due to poor eyesight.
As more families worry about affordable healthcare for kids, this case spotlights the urgent need for better school eye care in Delhi.
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