Ensure supply to orphans in gurukul: HC tells Centre, Delhi govt

New Delhi:  Coming to the rescue of more than 480 orphans studying at a 'gurukul' in the national capital, the Delhi High Court has directed the Centre and the AAP government to come up with a solution to ensure supply of foodgrains at subsidised rates to the institute.

The direction by Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva came on the plea of the Shri Madhyanand Vedarsh Mahavidyalaya Nyas, which had submitted that it was forced to procure foodgrains at a higher rate due to non-supply of foodgrains allocated to it for October 2015 to March this year.

The gurukul, where about 486 orphans live and study, has said its allocated portion of foodgrains for the period mentioned was not granted due to "certain difficulties" between the Centre and Delhi.

The Centre said the allocation was not released as the utilisation certificate for the previous period was not submitted on time and was sent to them in May this year.

As the utilisation certificate was submitted late, allocation for the said period cannot be released now as the financial year and the accounting period were over, it said.

It also said that allocation for period subsequent from March 2016 has been released.

Delhi government's lawyer sought time to take instructions on why the utilisation certificate was not submitted to the Centre on time.

After hearing the arguments, the court said, "It is very painful to note that on account of technical objections, orphan children, who are entitled to such foodgrains are deprived of the same or the petitioner (gurukul), who takes care of such orphan children, is made to procure foodgrains at a higher rate.

"The respondents are directed to come up with a solution whereby it is ensured that supply of foodgrains at subsidised rate is not hampered or hindered on account of technical objections inter se the two governments."

It also issued notice to the two governments and sought their reply to the institute's plea by September 15, the next date of hearing.