Telangana HC hears plea to enforce PTAs and school governing bodies

The Telangana High Court on Oct 14 heard a public interest litigation seeking a court directive to ensure the mandatory establishment of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) in all schools across the state.

The PIL, filed by Uppu Mallikarjun Patil, claimed that despite statutory provisions under the Telangana Education Act, 1982, and related government orders, most schools have neglected these requirements, weakening participatory governance and transparency in school management.

Advocate Vijay Gopal, representing the petitioner, told the court that Section 30 of the Telangana Education Act, 1982, along with Government Order Ms No 246 dated Oct 17, 1987, obliges all educational institutions, government, aided, or private, to form PTAs to ensure accountability and community participation.

“Many schools in the state have failed to comply with this legal mandate, violating the Act and related rules,” the petitioner said.

The petition also requested the court to direct the formation of School Governing Bodies in private and aided schools, in line with GO Ms No 1, Education (PS.2), dated Jan 1, 1994.

It was argued that ignoring these provisions undermines transparency and the Right to Education guaranteed under Article 21A of the Constitution.

The Telangana government requested additional time to seek instructions from the Education Department.

The court granted six weeks for a response and scheduled the case for further hearing.