DARA SINGH Vs. COMMISSIONER-CUM-SECRETARY (EDUCATION)

JUDGEMENT

(1.) On 22nd May, 2003, while dealing with the Petitioners' contention about the location of Government Primary School and its upgradation to the level of middle school at Badhera instead of Majheli in the District of Hamirpur, we had made observations that in a large number of cases, issues, questions and problems relating to the location of the schools in particular areas come up for consideration by this Court from time to time. We also made observations about the paramount need for setting up of a Standing Committee to look into all such problems and to handle all such situations as also to take decisions thereupon. The following observations made in that order are apposite. We quote:

(2.) In pursuance of the aforesaid observations and directions, notification No. Shiksha-II (Chha) 5-1/2003 dated the 5th July, 2003 has been issued by the Government of Himachal Pradesh, the copy whereof has been produced before us for our perusal. The copy is taken on record.

(3.) As per this notification, the State Government has constituted two committees, one at the State level and the other at the District level to sort out the issues of location, or the opening of Primary, Middle, High and Senior Secondary Schools as also the upgradation of the schools from a lower level to a higher level. As per this notification, the State Level Committee is required to inspect the locations recommended by the District Level Committee by taking the views of the general public of the area and in case of any dispute, finalise the location keeping in view the genuiness and the demands of the public. The District Level Committee similarly has been authorised to decide the locations as per the norms for the setting up of a school and the need of the educational institutions in the areas to fulfil the objective of providing education facilities. The District Level Committee is required to send its recommendation to the State Level Committee which in turn had been authorised to take final decision.