The Delhi High Court recently acknowledged efforts by the Delhi government’s welfare department for SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities to address issues regarding payments to coaching institutes under the Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojna. Justice Sachin Datta ordered that each petitioner coaching institute is to be granted a hearing by the special secretary of the department, with decisions on the release of funds to be made after thorough verification.
The court’s decision came as it disposed of a series of petitions from various coaching institutes which had sought directions for the implementation of the government’s scheme from September 2019. This scheme aims to provide quality coaching to economically disadvantaged students from specified categories, enabling them to compete in competitive exams for government service positions.
Under the 2019 guidelines, the Delhi government established fixed durations and fee ceilings for the coaching, as well as signing memorandums of agreement (MoAs) with the institutes. According to these agreements, institutes were to receive an initial installment of 50% of course fees plus a full stipend upon student enrollment and submission of relevant details. The release of a second installment was contingent upon the provision of necessary documentation by the institutes.
However, the coaching centers claimed that the Delhi government had failed to make even the first installment of payments as agreed. In response, the court has directed that relevant documents be provided to the department within five days for review. A hearing for each institute is scheduled within four weeks, where decisions regarding due payments will be made.
Furthermore, the court stated that if any institute is found not entitled to payment, or if any deductions are necessary, a detailed order should be issued, explaining the reasons for such decisions. The court emphasized the importance of these steps to ensure that the objectives of the Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojna are not compromised.
