In the context of the unequal socio-economic conditions in our country, and in the light of an evaluation of the educational mission of the Society of Jesus all over the world by its own members, a policy orientation has been introduced at St. Xavier's School since 1978-79. The following are some of the features of these changes:

1.The Clientele:

In a true spirit of democracy and fair deal and in order to discourage the possible culture of affluence and the image of elitism in the school, preferential admission will be given to the economically and socially weaker sections of the society who can profit from our education. Already since 1978, 20% of the fresh admissions in the Prep Class have been reserved for students from the disadvantaged sections of the society. Gradually we hope to increase this percentage with the co-operation and help of the parents of our students. At the same time the school will continue to exercise its special responsibility for the education of Christians.

2.A Neighbourhood School:

The school which was started as a predominantly boarding school in the old British hotel building, closed down its boarding facilities by 1972 to provide educational facilities to a large number of students from Delhi. Thus it became a true neighbourhood school. The objective was to help the students to use the school facilities even after the school time or on holidays. The reason for becoming a neighbourhood school is not merely to make the school facilities more available to the students and to keep better contact with their families, but also to move towards making the school a Community School, open and responsive to the people of the neighbourhood, facilitating a two-way communication between the school and the home in a spirit of co-responsibility.

3.Education Relevant for a New India:

The ideals enshrined in the Constitution of India and the thrust envisaged for the new education policy of the Government of India fully coincide with the Jesuit concern for the poor and the underprivileged. What we aim at is an education that will integrate the various sections of the society by providing educational opportunities to the weaker sections, which is the biggest and the most effective single factor for egalitarianism. This small step will help, in its own measure, to move away from a dual-society that keeps the country divided between the established and the marginalized classes, the rich and the poor, those with power and influence and those that are powerless. Our aim is to give voice to the voiceless and power to the powerless.

Increasing insistence will be laid on education and educational programmes aimed at this integration, cooperative effort among students and their sharing and growing together. This pedagogy and these values are diametrically opposed to the values of post-industrial society,