Right to Education Act hits roadblock in Bihar

Updated on: Thursday, September 29, 2011

The implementation of the RTE Act in Bihar hit a roadblock with over 25,000 private schools across the state observing a total strike paralysing teaching works to protest against the state government's bid to "impose registration" on schools.

The strike was called by the confederation of four school associations Independent Schools' Association, Christian Minority Association, Bihar Public Schools and Children Welfare Association and Muslim Education Welfare Association.

In the face of growing protests from private school managements, the government has extended the last date for registration of schools with it to November 12 instead of September 30 as notified earlier.

The associations have also called a mega conference of all private schools here on October 16 to deliberate on the matter.

The convener of the confederation, D K Singh, said despite extension of the date, the issues remain.

As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, the time for registration is six months from the date the Act came into force and this will end on November 12, official sources said.

"But the larger question is how can private schools allow government interference in its management and day-to-day affairs," Singh said.

Singh further said as per the Act, anyone in the government could ask for inspection of schools and seek financial details.

State Primary Education Joint Director R S Singh said the government would try to dispel the "misgivings" about the move through advertisement in a few days.

"The government has no intention of interfering in the management of private schools in any way. But under the Right to Education Act, 2009, there are certain clearly laid down norms, which have to be adhered to by all," he added.

He said the private schools need not worry about registration, as it was a requirement under the RTE Act.

"For institutions already affiliated to CBSE and ICSE boards, the RTE Act lays down much lower criteria," he said, adding it was wrong on part of the private schools to propagate that the government intended to interfere with the management.

Right to Education Act hits roadblock in Bihar

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