Telangana HC takes suo motu note of gaps in Universal Elementary Education

The High Court has initiated suo motu proceedings on gaps in achieving Universal Elementary Education (UEE) in the State. Acting on a letter from advocate B. Komuraiah, the Court noted persistent dropout rates despite expansion of schools.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: A Division Bench of the Telangana High Court comprising Aparesh Kumar Singh, Chief Justice, and GM Mohiuddin, on Thursday took up a suo motu public interest writ petition highlighting gaps in achieving Universal Elementary Education (UEE) in the State.

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The Court initiated the proceedings in compliance with the orders of the Chief Justice dated January 7, 2026, based on a letter dated July 19, 2025, addressed by advocate B. Komuraiah, a resident of Ranga Reddy district.

The letter underscored the vital role of Universal Elementary Education in strengthening the democratic fabric, with reference to Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India and the Bill of Rights.

It was brought to the notice of the Court that despite significant spatial and numerical expansion of schools across the State, the core objective of UEE has not been achieved. A large number of students were reportedly dropping out before completing elementary education.

The petitioner referred to the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Act, 2012, which came into force on August 1, 2012, and pointed out deficiencies in its effective implementation.

The letter further stated that schools lacked initiatives such as yoga classes aimed at promoting mindfulness and overall wellness among students.

It was also highlighted that the Government of India had declared education as a public utility service with effect from February 16, 2016, but the authorities were allegedly not paying due attention to the directions issued by the President of India or to representations made by the petitioner.

Seeking judicial intervention, the petitioner contended for the State to call for a comprehensive report on the functioning of the school education system and to establish an autonomous School Education Commission to work independently for achieving the objectives of the Right to Education Act, 2009.

The Bench issued notice to the respondents and called for their response. The matter was posted for further consideration.