Consultation on Right to Education held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 28 2012: Lack of initiative by school authorities to effectively implement contents of Right to Education (RTE) Act has been pointed out at a one-day State level consultation on RTE organised by Manipur Alliance for Child Rights (MACR) at MFDC auditorium, Palace Compound today.

Delivering the key-note address MACR convenor K Pradipkumar alleged that almost the schools are yet to implement contents of RTE.

Informing that a specific survey was recently conducted in 88 educational institutions, comprising of eight private schools, 61 Government schools, 14 aided schools and five run by ADCs, to assess extent of RTE coverage, Pradipkumar claimed that inspite of some private school authorities informing that fee relaxation has been granted to certain section of the students there is vast variation in actual implementation of the national project.

The rate of implementation is even worst in case of Government schools, alleged the convenor who regretted that despite completing a year of RTE implementation in Manipur the benefit continues to elude the student community.

Noting that RTE was implemented belately in Manipur compared to other States embracing the project since September 2011, Pradipkumar lamented that the concept of free education enshrined in RTE remains a far-fetched dream for the student community of Manipur.

Stating that non implementation of RTE in Manipur is severely affecting education of HIV/AIDS infected children, he also informed that corporal punishment is totally prohibited under RTE.

Besides delay in implementing RTE, absence of basic facility in Government schools is compounding the problem with students suffering from physical disabilities unable to pursue their academic interest.

As mid-day meal cannot be assured to the young students on all working days there is little hope that noble projects would be implemented in a judicious manner in the State, rued the convenor while suggesting that there is need for changing the attitude of school authorities as well as concept of officials associated with implementing the schemes.

Pradipkumar further highlighted that school bags and uniforms under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) project are being denied to the students even though there is clear-cut guidelines under RTE for ensuring the students get these items.

Zonal Education Officers of some districts and sub-divisions who were present at the occasion contended that efforts are on to judiciously implement provisions of RTE to schools under their respective ambit.

Officials of SSA and Education Department, along with representatives of student bodies and civil society organisations also attended the programme.

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