CRY report finds irregularities in compliance of RTE Act even after 3 years of implementation

Updated on: Thursday, June 27, 2013

Yet another report has criticized the government for tardy implementation of the right to education (RTE). While the three-year deadline for implementation passed in April, 11% schools are still without toilets, 20% don't have safe drinking water and 74% are without a library. The report by the organization Child Rights and You (CRY) also states that 61% schools demand proof of age, which is not required under the Act.

The findings of CRY, which has been working in the field of child rights for more than 34 years, confirm earlier reports on RTE implementation by the RTE Forum and NGOs like Josh. The nationwide study conducted across 71 districts in 13 states shows how even three years after the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 came into effect, many schools remain "unsafe" and lack electricity, toilets and safe drinking water.

The study titled "Learning Blocks" reveals non-compliance with the RTE Act in terms of missing infrastructure, all-weather buildings, toilets and drinking water facilities, besides fencing and boundary walls. Other norms about pupil-teacher ratio and one-classroom-one-teacher are yet to be met.

Puja Marwaha, CEO, CRY, said, "One cannot expect children to stay in school without basic infrastructure like safe classrooms, electricity, clean drinking water and functioning toilets. CRY's experience on the ground points to the fact that the lack of basic infrastructure — especially facilities for drinking water and separate toilets for girls—is one of the key factors that push children out of school."

The report also cites limitations of the Act, such as leaving children aged 3-6 years out of its purview. Those in the 15-18 age group also find themselves in a similar situation, with little chance of completing their education if they cannot pay for it.

CRY has recommended effective implementation of RTE and urged the government to review the legislation to address some of its significant gaps. The study revealed that only 18% schools had separate toilets for girls, and toilets in 34% schools are in bad or unusable condition. In 18% schools, the mid-day meal is either not cooked inside a designated kitchen or they do not have a kitchen at all.

The report cites limitations of the Act, like leaving children aged 3-6 years out of its purview. Those in the 15-18 age group also find themselves in a similar situation

CRY report finds irregularities in compliance of RTE Act even after 3 years of implementation

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