Suresh Kumar for special discussion in session on govt schools

Bengaluru: Former minister S Suresh Kumar, on Monday, sought a one-day special discussion in the upcoming legislature session on the dire condition of government schools and on measures to revitalise them. 

In a letter to the Speaker of the Assembly, he emphasised the urgent need for deliberation on empowerment of government schools, calling it a "plea on behalf of an innocent and voiceless community" — children studying in public schools.

"The system of the education department has completely distorted what should be a student-centric structure. It has blurred the very foundational objectives. With hundreds of problems, education is no longer the department's top priority," he wrote.

He said attempts to address these issues had only multiplied the problems.

"Schemes that begin with a positive intent are proving to be disastrous for schools".

The letter calls for extensive discussion in the House on the functioning and policies of education department, including the proposed education policy.

“The discussions must lead to a comprehensive policy and act as a catalyst for transformation of the schools. Failing this, the future of the poor and middle-class children in the schools will be jeopardised”.

He said admissions in government schools were declining, while the number of schools facing closure is increasing.

Consequently, the affected families were being forced to opt for private schools, often taking loans and falling into debt.