RTE session a waste of time, say principals

Updated on: Wednesday, June 15, 2011

The state education department on Tuesday conducted a session on the Right To Education (RTE) Act for ICSE and CBSE principals. However, most principals were not satisfied by the meeting as they felt that most of their queries were left unanswered.

Close to 100 principals gathered at Activity High School on Pedder Road for the session. Deputy director of education for Mumbai region, Sunil Chouhan, did not attend the meeting as promised, but he sent an official on his behalf. "The purpose was to ensure that school heads understand the policy and can implement the same in their schools. They also got an opportunity to clear any doubts they had about the Act," said an education inspector at the meet.

The principals had several questions regarding the formation of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), 25% reservation for students from backward classes and fee structure as laid down by the Act. According to a government resolution (GR) released last year, PTA members need to be changed once every two years. "Parents are not ready to spare time for regular meetings so they refuse to register. This leaves us with no option but to ask the same members to retain their positions," said a principal.

The official also reminded the principals about the latest circular requesting school heads to send their respective school fee structures and the names of their PTA vice-president and secretary to the education department at the earliest.

However, most participants were not happy with the meet. A principal of a suburban school said, "We pointed out many problems but the officer only said that everything would be alright. He never told us how to solve the problems. This session was a waste of time."

Avnita Bir, principal of R N Podar High School in Santa Cruz, inquired if the officer would touch upon the junior college admission policy for CBSE students who gave the school-based assessment exam this year. "He refused to comment on the issue, which is important for our students at present," said Bir. Most CBSE principals walked out of the session after this.

The officer refused to talk about junior college admission policy for CBSE students who opted for the school-based assessment exam this year

Times of India

RTE session a waste of time, say principals

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