Implementation of Act still leaves a lot to be desired

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 7

When the Right to Education Act was enacted a decade ago, there was no way anyone could have visualised that it would turn out to be a cure worse than the malady. From opening a chapter of discrimination against the general category students to needlessly burdening the private schools with the task of its implementation, almost everything about it could be placed in the realm of unwarranted. To make the matters worse, fraudsters to some extent deprived the real beneficiaries of the advantages of the Act.

The Tribune talked to several experts, who were of the view that the objectives of the Act were laudable, but the implementation left much to be desired.

The Right to Compulsory Education for all is indisputable. What still needs to be worked upon is its implementation in letter and spirit. Bringing different sections of society into fold, offering equal opportunities and seamlessly mainstreaming them have been the real challenge. — Reema Dewan, Delhi Public School, Sector 40

The RTE Act came in with noble intentions, but its practical implementation requires serious introspection. Ninety per cent of school education is provided by the government and this is the focus point of improvement. Private schools should be involved directly in bettering the deliverance. — Vikrant Suri, Tender Heart School, Sector 33

The RTE was envisaged as an Act to help the underprivileged, but has failed to achieve its purpose. It will be a win-win situation if the UT Administration enter into a partnership with private schools and make sure that they reimburse the cost the latter incur. — Gurpreet Bakshi, St Kabir Public School, Sector 26

The RTE Act is an unabashed attempt by the state to abdicate its own responsibility. If the Administration wants to provide quality education to the disadvantaged, it has to be prepared to spend money. If private schools have a legal obligation to reserve 25% seats, then the Administration also has an equal legal obligation to provide timely reimbursement. — Amarbir Singh Sidhu, Saupin’s School, Sector 32

The spirit of the RTE Act is laudable as it originates from the basic right of every child to have access to free, compulsory quality elementary education. However, for the success of the RTE, adherence to compliances from all stakeholders is imperative. — Vandana Saxena, Tribune Model School, Sector 29