The Rajasthan High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of issues concerning the education, health, safety and future of Generation Z, Generation Alpha and Generation Beta. Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand, sitting at the Jodhpur Bench, initiated a Public Interest Litigation after taking note of deficiencies in government schools and wider challenges faced by younger generations.
The Court noted that students belonging to these generations would be among those leading the country in the coming years. It expressed concern over inadequate infrastructure, technology, medical facilities and basic amenities, particularly in rural and village government schools.
At the same time, the Court cautioned against excessive dependence on technology and artificial intelligence in education. It said that technological advancement should not come at the cost of handwriting, reading physical books, independent thinking and original writing.
“Technology is to be a tool and an aid, not a substitute for human intellect.”
The Court also called for education to combine AI, digital literacy and coding with handwritten work, reading, note-making and written examinations.
The Court took note of repeated paper leaks and their impact on students’ academic timelines and career prospects. It directed the Centre and Rajasthan Government to place on record steps taken to create a robust mechanism to prevent such leakages.
The order also addressed excessive screen time, mental health, employment uncertainty, AI disruption, cyber safety and the education-to-employment gap. The Court sought an action plan covering these concerns.
The Court relied on the Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in Schools) Regulations, 2020. Those regulations restrict the sale and promotion of high-fat, high-sugar and high-salt food in schools and within 50 metres of school gates. FSSAI records also confirm these requirements.
The Court directed Rajasthan and FSSAI to file compliance affidavits and ordered inspections, nutritional labelling, school food safety committees and a grievance mechanism.
The Court registered the matter as a suo motu Public Interest Litigation, issued notices to the concerned authorities and directed them to file status reports and action plans.
It further ordered that, until further orders, carbonated drinks, chips, bakery items containing trans-fat and other HFSS foods should not be sold in schools in Rajasthan in violation of the 2020 Regulations.
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