DPS Dwarka has again faced criticism after it reportedly refused to allow 32 students on Wednesday, in clear defiance of the Directorate of Education (DoE) orders to bring them back. The move has triggered widespread condemnation by parents, education activists, and government representatives, questioning seriously the school’s defiance of state authority and student interests.
As per eyewitness, the gates of DPS Dwarka were manned by bouncers who did not let the students enter the campus. Some of the parents who had joined their wards were also not permitted to meet the school principal or administrative personnel. This is the second time within two days that the school has refused to yield to the order of the DoE which had instructed it to let the students resume classes at once.
On Tuesday, DoE had served a strongly worded notice threatening DPS Dwarka with action under the Delhi School Education Act and Rules (DSEAR), 1973, in case of non-compliance. However, in a step seen as outright disobedience, the school went on to refuse to admit the aggrieved students to classes, citing outstanding documents and supposed lack of compliance on the part of parents.
Videos that went viral on social media depicted children standing outside the gates of DPS Dwarka, with some wearing school uniform, as bouncers allegedly prevented people from entering and would not talk to parents. The scenes have caused a tempest of outrage against the management of the school, with many labeling the action as an infringement on children’s Right to Education.
DPS Dwarka’s consistent denial to obey the DoE order has raised widespread alarm: Should DPS institutions be permitted to ignore government instructions and deprive students of their basic right to education?
Parents of the students concerned accuse DPS Dwarka of arbitrarily striking them off the rolls earlier this year in connection with matters involving transfer certificates, address proof, and fee payment. But most complain that they had submitted the documents in due time and were being unfairly singled out. The investigation by DoE has apparently concluded that the students were eligible to be allowed continued admission based on various provisions such as minority status and residence rules.
One parent, whose child has been studying at DPS Dwarka since nursery, said, “We received no prior warning. One day we were told our children are no longer enrolled. Even after submitting all the required papers, the school continues to harass us.”
One more wronged parent added, “We have now waited with our kids outside the gates for several mornings in hope that the school will comply with the DoE’s directive. Instead, they’ve sent out bouncers to turn us away. This amounts to mental trauma.”
Lawyer and education activist Khagesh Jha, who is supporting the parents in the legal battle, criticized DPS Dwarka’s actions and stated, “The school is running on the lines of a private club and not a public education institution ruled by public education laws. Delhi High Court and DoE have already clarified that no child can be denied education, but DPS Dwarka is acting with impunity.”
As a follow-up to the latest transgression, the DoE is apparently planning to invoke more stringent measures, including revocation of the school’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) and derecognition of affiliation. “It’s a serious issue,” a senior DoE official said. “We had given DPS Dwarka very clear instructions to reinstate the children. Their failure to adhere to the instructions shows their wilful non-cooperation. The department will take all the legal and administrative action necessary.”
Despite repeated attempts, DPS Dwarka’s principal and spokesperson were unavailable for comment. No official statement has been released by the school regarding the continued denial of entry to the students.
Legal professionals state that in accordance with Section 24 of DSEAR, such recognised schools denying admission or arbitrarily striking off students can be penalized, such as fines and withdrawal of recognition. In addition, the Right to Education (RTE) Act assures unbroken schooling till Class 8 for all children irrespective of administrative issues.
Public outrage is increasing, with demonstrations set for outside DPS Dwarka later this week. Parent groups and civil society organizations are also demanding a wider probe into the school’s admission policies, fee system, and disciplinary mechanisms.
Meanwhile, opposition political leaders have weighed in, accusing the Delhi government of not acting swiftly enough. AAP MLA Atishi Marlena tweeted, “This is not just about one school. It’s about whether private institutions can operate above the law. DPS Dwarka must be held accountable.”
Others have contended the incident is a symptom of broader systemic problems in regulating elite private schools. “This case is a test of whether or not the rule of law applies across the board, even to institutions such as DPS Dwarka that have social prestige and financial influence,” said education policy analyst Dr. Kiran Desai.
As the standoff reaches its third day, students are caught in the middle, missing precious class time. A number have been reportedly suffering from anxiety and stress as a result of not knowing their future academic prospects.
For the time being, the limelight continues to be squarely on DPS Dwarka, which is being increasingly urged to not just obey the DoE’s order but also provide a public apology and compensation for the emotional trauma inflicted on parents and children.
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