SMDCA decries political interference in SSA
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 17 2013:
All Manipur School Management and Development Committee Association (SMDCA) has denounced undue political interference in the implementation of Sarva Shikshya Abhiyan (SSA) in the State.
A release of the Association said that SSA is a centrally sponsored flagship programme that aims to implement the Right to Education Act, 2009 throughout the country.
The provisions of the programme are to be implemented mandatorily through non-political bodies such as communities or school management committees.
However, SSA has been turned upside down by Ministers and bureaucrats in the State, it alleged.
The Association further pointed that the norms of this programme have been violated in the State with regard to distribution of uniforms, upgradation of schools and infrastructural development of schools.
About 258 schools have been upgraded to Upper Primary Schools on constituency-wise basis through MLAs concerned by defying the actual norms of upgradation.
Moreover, the State government has undermined the House Engineering Cell of SSA and transferred funds for civil works to the Engineering Wing of Education Department, it added.
The release also mentioned that the Association has filed cases at the High Court against the violation of SSA norms by the State.
The Court has even issued contempt notice to the government officials for failing to submit necessary affidavits to the Court.
The Association further appealed to all to render utmost support for proper implementation of SSA in the state without any political interference.