New Delhi, RTE Forum. The Right to Education Forum (a consortium of more than 10, 000 grassroots organizations, educationists, Teachers’ Union representatives and rights’ based activists) has expressed deep concerns over the review of the RTE Act, especially in the context of the No Detention Policy while members of CABE, the apex advisory body to advise the Central and State Governments in the field of education, is going to meet tomorrow on 19th August, 2015. Mr. Ambarish Rai, National Convenor of the RTE Forum stated that No Detention Policy is one of the most important provision mandated by RTE Act, 2009 in order to achieve the goal of universalisation of education in more inclusive manner giving strength to the marginalized and economically weaker section of society. He said that any change or removal of No Detention Policy will dilute the spirit and prove disastrous for the RTE Act damaging the fundamental objectives of the Act.
He said that the government is talking about bringing back Examination Policy in the elementary education to add quality in education wiping out the provision of No Detention Policy. But, the fact that CCE (Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation) has never been implemented is the serious concern. He said that we can never develop children to their full potential by creating an environment of fear of being failed. It is an unscientific and regressive approach. He reiterated that bringing back examination policy will make the children of disadvantaged sections further deprived of education. Instead of it, we should think of implementing CCE on ground level with preparation of appropriate training manuals and making teachers fully aware of this concept. It not only provides space for the students to gain knowledge but it makes student-teacher relationship more healthy and vibrant.
Pointing towards the fact that less than 10% schools in the country currently comply with all the norms and standards set forth by the Act even after five years of its enactment, Mr. Rai urged the members of the Central Advisory Board of Education to chalk out a clear roadmap for the implementation of the RTE Act, 2009. Expressing concern over declining budget on education he said that “it is essential for the state to allocate substantial finances to implement all the provisions of the RTE Act, 2009. Also, it is extremely worrisome that thousands of government schools have been shutting down while low-cost private schools are mushrooming. All these developments are detrimental to achieving the goals of a universal, good quality education for all.” Further, he added that creating a strong Public System of Education should be the first priority of the government and it must revive the teacher training institutes to ensure good quality education in the government schools. He hoped that CABE will take necessary steps to address these concerns.
Regards
Mitra Ranjan
Media Coordinator
RTE Forum
Mob.-9650436951
