Quota for economically, socially backward children in private schools mandatory

Reservation of 25 per cent of seats in private institutions for economically and socially backward children is mandatory to ensure education to children of those classes, said state secretary for education Kumar Nayak.

He was addressing a gathering at valedictory of summer camp organised by Rural Literacy and Health Programme (RHLP) in association with Vidyodaya Children’s Federation, Mysore Slum Dwellers Federation and Dwani Women’s Federation.

He said, legal awareness should be created among all, regarding RTE Act, which is implemented in the state from this academic year. “Everything would be similar in private institutions probably with a little better basic facilities and extra curricular activities. A creative environment would be created with kids of all background studying under a single roof.”

Ground level problems of RTE are being considered, discussed and solved, he added.
He said quality education would be retained and developed in government schools, of which there is no need to worry. “Cooperation of parents and students is most essential for implementing the Act. It’s the responsibility of officials to make sure that the Act is implemented properly and reaches the beneficiaries.”

He expressed happiness over the attitude of the children, evident from their activities. He said, “it is an achievement of the organisation to promote children from backward classes to such an extent.”

Nayak said along with teachers, every child and parent has to have basic responsibility to perform regarding studies. He called upon children to study well and parents to create good environment for children at home for studies.

He said crores of grants are provided for welfare of students and government schools. “Students and parents should question the authorities about the use of grants.”

Replying to queries from press persons he said private institutions which have completed the admission process would be requested for RTE implementation. Explaining the process of RTE, he called it to be a continuous process. He said it would find success in the long run.

He said severe action would be taken against schools and teachers punishing students. “The department objects to corporal punishments. I know that hurt would be on minds and hearts of children.”

Deputy director for education B K Basavaraju, president of Dwani Women’s Federation Nalini, president of Mysore Slum Dwellers Federation Yathiraj, president of Vidyodaya Children’s Federation Manoj and assistant director of RLHP Saraswathi were present.

Memorandum

A camp participant from Metagalli, Siddarth, submitted a memorandum on behalf of the children to Kumar Nayak. He said, childhood-friendly environment is the main requirement in schools, with open opportunity for studies and other related activities. He requested not to close government schools and bring children between three to 18 years under RTE Act.

He made a point that officials should take steps to make the education system available for all, equally, without any discrimination.
Though punishments are necessary, they should not be in destructive ways, he added.

Colourful conclusion

Though the phrase ‘children should be seen not heard’ lost its meaning at the valedictory of the summer camp organised for children of slums and rural areas, it was unable to take ears off the children screams and activities. It had to be seen and heard to understand those innocent feelings.

The Jagan Mohan Palace witnessed a crowd of children, which excluding broken seats not any other seat was left empty even by mistake. Volunteers failed to control those cheerful young hearts, who were eagerly waiting for the cultural programmes. Skits, dances, street plays were performed regarding cultural, patriotic, child rights, environmental and RTE issues to create awareness among children.

Arts and crafts of children done during the camp was exhibited which carried messages of protecting environment, child rights, poverty depriving children of their needs, sharing, health and sanitation, education being basic necessity and other issues.

Indian currency was displayed with old coins and notes which are least seen now. With Ganesha festival approaching, idol of environmental friendly ‘Ganapa’ was even done by children. Waste materials were the things used in many craft products.

Photographs of destitute children were also in the exhibition, probably to make elders aware of social problems and urge them to take measures to eradicate those social evils to protect interests of children.

Participants

Assistant director of RHLP Saraswathi said more than 2,500 children had participated in the month-long camp conducted in 56 slums and 22 villages of Mysore, Chamarajanagar and Mandya districts.