RTE Act: Is govt washing its hands of one major responsibility?

Is the government trying to wash its hands of one of its major responsibilities? “The government should ensure that no child remains out of school. Political will and commitment on the part of politicians is needed to make education accessible to all,” said Pravin Shivashankar, senior manager, CRY, Karnataka.

Several academics, who support the cause of education for children whose parents cannot afford to educate them, said the stand of private schools was revealing: “I am appalled at the stand of private schools of Bangalore, who are against 25% reservation for children from backward sections of society. I think it stinks of snobbery. How dare the schools think/imply that educating economically underprivileged kids in private schools will jeopardise the other kids?” said R Kurian, an academic who has been a member on the boards of various schools in Bangalore.

“Education has been commercialised. Most of the schools say that reservation for poor children is not economically viable and that slum schools should be run for such children. I feel that those people absolutely miss the point. Children who study in slum schools or corporation schools will never get the opportunities that they would get if they go to a good private school. My heart goes out to those intelligent and able students who miss out on opportunities because of the snobbishness of the educated and mean people who can make a difference if they want to,” added Kurian.

Schools have raised questions about how they will screen students who are to be admitted under the quota. Members of the Vidyarthi JD(S) Sangha and a few parents protested against the stand of private schools, who are opposing the RTE Act.

“Education has become a business. We support the RTE Act and will fight for its implementation,” said Tulasiram, president of the Sangha.

School authorities in the city, however, claimed that they were not against 25 % reservation of children from underprivileged sections; even so, they have been demanding amendments in the RTE Act so that they can have a say in admissions and ensure quality education.