In order to better the education system, new education policy needs to implement the RTE act properly and also need to concentrate on early childhood education. In the presence of several civil societies members, educationalists and representatives of various districts from across Jharkhand several issues highlighting the importance of accessible, affordable and quality education were discussed here on Tuesday.
A workshop organised by Jharkhand Right to Education forum highlighted about various loopholes in the education policy and implementation of RTE.
Citing details about the new educational policy, National Convener of Right to Education Forum, Ambarish Rai said, “The new policy should not dilute the legislation. It should chalk out the roadmap for universalisation of school education and complete the implementation of RTE Act. The deadline of achieving all norms and standards prescribed in the schedule of the RTE act, 2009 has already passed away and it must be implemented in a comprehensive manner.”
Talking about the privatization of education system, Rai further added, “Private entities must be regulated in the education sector and a comprehensive, central legislation should be framed. The law should also cover private teacher training institutes that have mushroomed across the country. The policy should clearly indicate measures to strengthen the monitoring and grievances Redressal mechanism.”
Though RTE act was passed in 2009, in Jharkhand it was implemented in May 2011. Even after four years, it has not yet been properly implemented in all the districts of Jharkhand.
Addressing people on the issue of accessibility, affordability and quality education, consultant of Jharkhand Government on Rural Development, Gurjeet Singh said, “We need to concentrate on removing discrimination from education system. Enrolment, Attendance, Retention and completion of school education for all children from pre-primary to secondary level with a certain standard of quality should be maintained and should be brought under a comprehensive framework with legal entitlement.”
Discussing on various education commissions and expenditure incurred on education, Rai informed, “Allocation of at least 6 percent of the national income for education and emphasis on the establishment of state funded common school system as the tool to provide equal opportunities to all children was emphasized in almost all the commission reports which includes Kothari commission report, Reddy committee report and other education policies but so far nothing has been done yet.”
Convener of Jharkhand Right to Education Forum A K Singh, Anil Kumar Singh, Professor Ramesh Sharan, Ambarish Rai were present with other dignitaries in the programme.