RTE Act over and above the reforms that it promises for the education sector has given rise to many areas of concern, which has the education fraternity debating...
Ansy Austin and Nagma Hasan | NIE
Aditi Banerji, teacher at St Gregorios High School, asserts that the 25% reservation for disadvantaged communities is going to be difficult to implement. “They have to study with those who are a little better off monetarily. It’s a good idea but what about the ramifications on the child, as the social backgrounds are different.” Carl Laurie, principal of Christ Church School, is also of the same opinion, “The government providing 25% free education for underprivileged children seems too idealistic. With so many unaided schools it doesn’t seem feasible to implement this reform. Also, how will children belonging to different backgrounds and society adjust with each other? They are going to have a culture shock to adapt themselves in a different atmosphere.” Another issue that bothers Aditi is ‘no detention’ till class VIII. “No one should be detained, even I agree to that. But if there is a case where a child needs some more learning in a particular class, then you would be promoting a child who is not well equipped.”
“For implementation of such an Act you need trained teachers. Are teachers equipped for the new system?” asks Zeenat Shaukat Ali, professor at St Xavier’s College. She explains that the burden borne by the teacher will also increase as there will be more oral tests while exams are bid good bye.
Areas of concern
Meera Isaacs, principal of Cathedral and John Connon School, says that the RTE Act is too idealistic to be implemented in India. She says, “It is haphazardly drawn up without really getting to the root of the problem. The Act has not made any provisions to accommodate the increasing number of labour class children. Carl Laurie says, “The managing committee is going to decide on the criteria of which children deserve to go to which school, which I fail to understand how. The Act also mentioned that teachers have to work 45 hours per week, which makes it 9 hours per day. Imposing 9 hours work timing is like punishing the teacher. It may look good on paper but it is too immature to be implemented.”
Meera Isaacs, principal of Cathedral and John Connon School, says that the RTE Act is too idealistic to be implemented in India. She says, “It is haphazardly drawn up without really getting to the root of the problem. The Act has not made any provisions to accommodate the increasing number of labour class children. Carl Laurie says, “The managing committee is going to decide on the criteria of which children deserve to go to which school, which I fail to understand how. The Act also mentioned that teachers have to work 45 hours per week, which makes it 9 hours per day. Imposing 9 hours work timing is like punishing the teacher. It may look good on paper but it is too immature to be implemented.”
CRITICAL VIEW
Since unrecognized schools could face closure in view of the prescribed recognition standard within 3 years we would have to find ways to support such schools and improve their facilities by providing linkages with financial institutions. The Act only talks about inputs and has nothing to offer on learning outcomes. It guarantees a right to schooling but not the right to education. It is pointed out by many experts that the article 8, 9, 12 and 29 would have to be critically assessed and modified. The passage of the bill in the Rajya Sabha clearly shows the commitment of the government but is surely needs to be remade with far more consideration to details and the nation deserves nothing less. Zeenat Shaukat Ali, professor, St Xavier's College
Since unrecognized schools could face closure in view of the prescribed recognition standard within 3 years we would have to find ways to support such schools and improve their facilities by providing linkages with financial institutions. The Act only talks about inputs and has nothing to offer on learning outcomes. It guarantees a right to schooling but not the right to education. It is pointed out by many experts that the article 8, 9, 12 and 29 would have to be critically assessed and modified. The passage of the bill in the Rajya Sabha clearly shows the commitment of the government but is surely needs to be remade with far more consideration to details and the nation deserves nothing less. Zeenat Shaukat Ali, professor, St Xavier's College
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