Updated on: Monday, March 19, 2012
The NGO Social Jurist has written to Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Demanding two years of pre-primary education as part of formal schooling in all government and civic body-run schools under Section 11 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
Social Jurist member Ashok Agarwal. said “Pre-primary education will prepare children above the age of three years for elementary education and provide early childhood care and education until they complete the age of six years. The Delhi Government should make necessary arrangements for the provision of free pre-school education for such children.”
The letter also noted that every child should have right to quality education. Mr. Agarwal pointed out that “even for ensuring that there are no drop-outs when formal learning begins, the continuum from pre-school to pre-primary and higher level becomes essential.”
This is expected to bring in some uniformity in the education system as most of the unaided private schools begin education at pre-school level where children at three-plus age are admitted. “At present, the schools run by the Delhi Government and the civic bodies do not have pre-school classes. Most of these schools do not have pre-primary classes either. It is submitted that opening of two years pre-primary classes in all the State and civic body-run schools as a part and parcel of full-time formal schooling would not only be in compliance with the provisions of Section 11 of the RTE Act, 2009, but would greatly benefit the children as well,” said Mr. Aggarwal.