Comprehensive RTI Application on Academic Governance in Delhi Schools with the help of RTI Lawyers

Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, citizens are empowered to seek transparency in the functioning of public authorities. This application aims to clarify the academic and examination policies enforced by the Directorate of Education (DoE) for primary classes (III–V) in Delhi schools. It also seeks to verify the compliance of Delhi School, Delhi., with these policies. The information requested is crucial for ensuring accountability and adherence to prescribed educational standards.

COMPREHENSIVE RTI APPLICATION ON ACADEMIC PRACTICES IN DELHI SCHOOLS

Prepared By: [Your Name/RTI Lawyer]
For: Directorate of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi
Date: [Current Date]

To,
The Public Information Officer,
Directorate of Education,
Government of NCT of Delhi,
Room No. 12, Old Secretariat, Civil Lines,
New Delhi – 110054

Subject: Detailed Request for Information under the RTI Act, 2005 concerning Academic Policies, Curriculum Compliance, and Specific Approvals for Primary Classes (III-V) with reference to Name of the Private School, Delhi.

Respected Sir/Ma’am,

I am writing to exercise my fundamental right to information under the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005. This application seeks detailed information and documents pertaining to the academic and examination framework governing primary education (Classes III to V) in schools under the jurisdiction of the Directorate of Education (DoE), GNCTD

1. Please provide a copy of the DoE guidelines/circulars permitting or restricting the use of private third-party agencies for preparing and conducting assessments for primary classes (III-V).

2. Please provide the list of subjects and the prescribed curriculum (e.g., NCERT) approved by the DoE for primary classes (III-V). Specifically, is replacing EVS with separate Science and Social Studies subjects permitted?

3. Please provide the DoE’s guidelines on age-appropriate assessment formats. Is the use of OMR sheets for assessments in Classes III-V authorized?

4. Has Mount St. Mary’s School sought/obtained DoE approval for: a) using a third-party for assessments, b) replacing EVS with Science/Social Studies, or c) using OMR sheets? If yes, provide copies of the approval letters.

5. Please provide the DoE’s policy on the promotion/retention of students in primary classes (III-V).

DECLARATION AND TERMS OF SUPPLY

I hereby solemnly state that the information sought is not related to any personal, commercial, or third-party interest that is exempt from disclosure under Sections 8 or 9 of the RTI Act, 2005. The information pertains solely to the official functions and regulatory role of the Directorate of Education.

As per Section 7(9) of the RTI Act, I request that the information be provided in an electronic format via email at rtilawyers@gmail.com, if available. For any information that must be provided in hard copy, I am willing to pay the requisite fees as prescribed under the Act. Kindly inform me of any fees and the procedure for payment.

This application may be treated as the basis for a first appeal under Section 19 of the Act in the event of a non-response or an incomplete response within the statutory period of 30 days from the receipt of this application.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Yours faithfully,

(Signature)

[Your Name/RTI Lawyer]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Number]

Key Improvements in this Version:

1. Professional Tone: Uses formal language suitable for a legal or professional context.

2. Clarity and Structure: Information is grouped into two clear sections: A. General Policies and B. Specific School Information. This makes it easier for the PIO to route the query to different departments if needed.

3. Precise Legal Terminology: Phrases like “certified copies,” “Section 6 of the RTI Act,” and specifying the request is for “guidelines, circulars, office orders, or notifications” leave no room for ambiguity.

4. Removed Repetition: The original points 7 and 8 were duplicates of point 2 and have been consolidated.

5. Stronger Closing: The line “This application may be treated as my first appeal…” serves as a gentle reminder of the legal obligations and consequences of non-compliance, which can prompt a more serious response.

6. Standard Format: Follows a standard formal letter format with all necessary components.

Article 1: Policy Framework for Third-Party Assessments in Primary Education

Background: The involvement of private agencies in designing and conducting assessments for young learners raises questions about pedagogical appropriateness, data privacy, and regulatory oversight.
Information Sought:

1. Certified copies of all DoE circulars, notifications, or guidelines permitting or restricting the engagement of third-party agencies for preparing or conducting assessments in primary classes (III–V).

2. A copy of any standard MoU or agreement template prescribed by the DoE for such collaborations.

3. Details of monitoring mechanisms to ensure the quality and appropriateness of third-party assessments.

Article 2: Curriculum Prescriptions and Permissible Deviations

Background: The NCERT curriculum forms the foundation of school education in India. Deviations, if permitted, must be based on well-defined guidelines to maintain educational integrity.
Information Sought:

1. The officially approved list of subjects and the corresponding curriculum (e.g., NCERT) for primary classes (III–V) for the academic year 2024–25.

2. Clarification on whether replacing Environmental Studies (EVS) with separate subjects like Science and Social Studies is permitted under DoE policy. If yes, provide the approval process and conditions.

3. Guidelines, if any, on introducing supplementary subjects such as Vedic Mathematics or Abacus in the formal curriculum.

Article 3: Age-Appropriate Assessment Formats and Tools

Background: Assessment methods must align with the cognitive and motor skills of primary students. The use of tools like OMR sheets for young children requires scrutiny.
Information Sought:

1. DoE guidelines on age-appropriate assessment formats for primary classes (I–V).

2. Specific policy on the use of OMR sheets for assessments in Classes III–V, including any restrictions or approvals.

3. Research or expert recommendations relied upon by the DoE while framing these guidelines.

Article 4: Policy on Student Promotion and Retention

Background: Transparent promotion and retention policies are essential for safeguarding students’ academic interests.
Information Sought:

1. Certified copy of the DoE’s policy on promotion and retention of students in primary classes (I–V).

2. Details of any amendments made to this policy in the last five years.

Article 5: Monitoring Mechanism and Grievance Redressal

Background: Effective monitoring and grievance redressal mechanisms are critical for ensuring compliance with academic norms.
Information Sought:

1. Certified copies of SOPs or guidelines used by the DoE to monitor curriculum and assessment compliance in unaided private schools.

2. Detailed procedure for filing grievances against schools for academic violations.

3. Data on the number of complaints received and resolved against schools in the last three years.

Article 6: Specific Approvals Granted to Mount St. Mary’s School, Delhi Cantt.

Background: Instances of schools deviating from prescribed norms without approval undermine the regulatory framework.
Information Sought:

1. Confirmation of whether Mount St. Mary’s School, Delhi Cantt., has sought or obtained DoE approval for:
   a) Engaging third-party agencies for assessments.
   b) Replacing EVS with Science and Social Studies.
   c) Introducing Vedic Mathematics/Abacus.
   d) Using OMR sheets for assessments in Classes III–V.

2. If approvals were granted, provide certified copies of all related documents, including applications, correspondence, approval letters, and compliance reports.

Declaration Under the RTI Act, 2005

1. I affirm that the information sought does not fall under the exemptions outlined in Sections 8 or 9 of the RTI Act.

2. I request that the information be provided electronically via email at [Your Email Address]. If hard copies are necessary, I am willing to pay the requisite fees.

3. This application may be treated as the basis for a first appeal under Section 19 of the Act in case of non-response within 30 days.

Conclusion

This application seeks to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in educational governance. The requested information will help ensure that schools operate within the framework of duly approved policies, ultimately protecting the interests of students and parents.