'Admit kids to schools without screening'

No deputation of teachers for survey works

Addressing a district-level conference on RTE Act organised jointly by the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) here on Tuesday, he said that the RTE Act will ensure every child of the age of six to 14 years free and compulsory education without disparity.

The Act ensures that all children in general and children belonging to weaker section or disadvantaged groups in particular are not discriminated against and prevented from pursuing and completing elementary education on any grounds.”

Joseph said that there should be no screening during admission to elementary classes. Corporal punishment and failing students are not allowed as per the RTE Act, he said adding “the Act will ensure quality elementary education conforming to prescribed norms and standards.”

The Act makes it mandatory for the government to ensure timely prescription of curriculum, availability of textbooks and learning material every year, he said. “Officials should ensure availability of teachers and filling up of vacant posts of teachers within 90 calendar days,” he added.

The School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMC) will be the designated local authority to implement the provisions of the RTE Act at the school-level. The SDMC shall ensure that every child in the jurisdiction of the respective school got enrolled, attend school regularly and get quality education, Joseph said.

Speaking after inaugurating the programme, Zilla Panchayat President Santhosh Kumar Bhandary said that it is praiseworthy that the government has sanctioned Rs 30.34 crore under SSA. The State and Central governments should join hands to ensure quality education to all children, he added.

In his address, Mangalore MLA U T Khader said that education is the foundation for the development of a nation. A nation can grow only through the empowerment of students through quality education. Even parents can question if the school or the authorities concerned fail to implement the provisions of the RTE Act properly, he added.

Zilla Panchayat Education and Health Standing Committee Chairperson Rajashri Hegde, Deputy Director of Public Instructions Chamegowda and DIET Principal Philomena Lobo were present.

Suggestions

* Catholic Board of Education Secretary Fr Wilson said that the Act should be made flexible with regard to fixing of fees. “It is difficult for aided schools to provide modern facilities for students without collecting fees. Further, the delay in the release of government funds too affects the functioning of schools.”

* Chandrashekhar, a school teacher, pointed out that the quality of education cannot be ensured properly if the failing system was abolished. Further, he suggested that standard check points should be introduced to monitor students’ calibre.

* St Aloysius High School Headmaster Fr Melwin Pinto said that the rules drafted under the Act should be relaxed and aided schools should be allowed to receive voluntary donations.

Further, he suggested that the phrase ‘mental harassment’ (by the teachers) should be defined properly.