Teachers raise concerns on RTE

Updated on: Wednesday, September 22, 2010

The workshop on the Right to Education (RTE) bill organised by the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) saw teachers voice their concerns about the bill. The concerns ranged from discrimination to complications to quality of education as regards the implementation of the bill.

B Gayethri Devi, principal, Little Flower Public School, questioned: "Every school is independent and varies in its mission and vision. How can we come under one framework?"

One of her major concerns was that since the bill says an age appropriate admission should be done, this could possibly lead to child labour. "Now, parents know they have to enrol their children in Class 1, otherwise getting admission later could prove difficult. But in RTE, child labour can increase as parents are assured of admission up to Class 8 without screening and Transfer Certificate," she said.

Yeshasvini Ramaswamy, anchor and managing director, e2e People Practices, said, "Whether we want it or not, RTE is here to stay. Our role as educationists is to bring positive change in education. Sadly, not many people opt for teaching, but prefer lucrative jobs. About 50% of our population is not getting even basic education. We have to do something, bring in positive change, such that teachers and principals are looked up to."

She added that there is a need to work together and bring about a solution that can cover those 50% deprived of education. "We need to contribute to the growth of the nation, influence the youth to bring about change," she said.

Ganesh Rajagopal, managing director, Varchas Education and Management Private Ltd, stressed that quality doesn't find mention in the bill. "There are no parameters or definitions to improve quality. Private schools can adopt government schools. In that way, there will be no stress or discrimination," he said.

Teachers raise concerns on RTE

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