NAGPUR - RTE imposes too much on schools, say principals

From - TOI

NAGPUR: Though the Right To Education (RTE) demands some basic minimum requirements from schools, it seems that the situation on the ground is very different.

The second day of the state level principals conference organized by Akhil Maharashtra Madhyamik Shala Mukhydhapak Sanyukta Mandal (AMMM) witnessed a marathon discussion on the non-adherence of the RTE norms by state schools in terms of infrastructural development.

Anand Deshmukh, principal of Bhartiya Bal Vidya Mandir in Parbhani, told TOI that many schools in the state lack the basic facilities and that the RTE "assumes" too much in its policy framework.

Deshmukh, said, "We have schools which do not have proper computer or science labs. School should be an ideal place for imparting education. Evaluation of state schools will be conducted to check if they are run as per the RTE guidelines laid down."

While delivering his lecture Deshmukh stressed that infrastructural benefits do not reach every echelon of the society. "The management has to bring enhancements and it is every school's individual responsibility as they are self financed. Most schools in the state do not measure up to the levels of competency that is necessary in terms of infrastructure," said Deshmukh.

While most principals present agreed with Deshmukh they also believed that there are other factors which affect the school's functioning.

Ravindra Bharat, principal of Ramnagar Bharat Vidyalaya, opined that the concerns expressed by Deshmukh did not include metropolitan cities in its ambit.

"Cities like Nagpur had geographical limitations for which implementation of RTE guidelines was not possible. The directives set by RTE assert too much on schools which do not have adequate funds. It is difficult to adhere to there norms regarding playgrounds and labs because these schools are small," said Bharat.

As per the RTE Act, every school needs to have all weather building with provision of one classroom for every teacher and separate toilets for boys and girls and a playground is mandatory. Schools need to have a barrier free access and there should be one teacher for every 30 students.

Many other principals complained that their implementation will not be possible with the withdrawal of non-salary grants by the state.