Document Fragment View

Matching Fragments

3. Although various issues were raised and decided by the learned Single Judge, the only contention that was raised before us was concerning the correctness of the finding of the learned Single Judge with regard to the Pupil - Teacher Ratio (PTR) as provided in G.O.(MS)No.154/2014/G.Edn.

4. Before the learned Single Judge, while the writ petitioners/respondents herein contended that the Pupil - Teacher Ratio (PTR) as provided in the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (hereinafter referred to as 'RTE Act'), is to be taken class-wise, the State contended that the ratio is to be maintained on a school basis. Considering the issue at length, the learned Single Judge held that the Pupil - Teacher Ratio (PTR) should be taken class wise and not school wise, as contended by the State.

6. We have considered the submissions made. The issue as to whether the Pupil - Teacher Ratio (PTR) is to be applied with the school as a unit as contended by the appellants or with the class as the unit as contended by the respondents is to be decided in the light of the provisions contained in the RTE Act itself. Section 19 of the RTE Act provides the norms and standards for W.A.Nos.372/16 & Conn. Cases the school. Sub Section (1) provides that no school shall be established, or recognised, under Section 18 of the Act, unless the school fulfills the norms and standards specified in the Schedule to the Act. Section 25 of the Act provides for Pupil - Teacher Ratio (PTR). As per Section 25(1), within three years from the date of commencement of the Act, the appropriate Government and the local authority shall ensure that the Pupil - Teacher Ratio (PTR), as specified in the Schedule, is maintained in each school. The Schedule to the Act containing the Norms and Standards in a school, is extracted below for reference: