This widens learning disparities between RTE and non-RTE students in class 1, say academicians
While the Right to Education Act directs governments to make free pre-school education available to disadvantaged children above three years of age, Gujarat government has failed miserably in implementing RTE in pre-primary education. This, even as it contemplates extending RTE Act 2009 up to class 10.
In 2016, as many as 8,800 students were admitted under RTE in class 1while the online registration under RTE for 2017 has already started.
However, there is no sign of implementation of RTE in pre-primary classes which includes senior and junior kindergarten. This only widens the learning disparities between RTE and non-RTE students in class 1, say educationists.
`INEQUALITY LEADS TO KIDS DROPPING OUT’
Manan Choksi, director of Udgam School feels that government should implement RTE from pre-primary section. Citing the example of Karnataka, which has implemented RTE from preprimary section onwards, Choksi said, “My students start learning words in class 1 while kids admitted under RTE start learning the alphabet in class 1.Though the motive of government is inclusive education, in reality there is a lot of inequality.
Due to this disparity, apart from the difficulty in getting adjusted to a new environment, may RTE children choose to drop out.“
According to the data for 2014-15, only 6.98 per cent seats far behind the national average of 15.2 per cent were filled in Gujarat under Section 12(1)(c) of RTE Act that mandates 25 per cent reservation for children from disadvantaged sections. A school principal told Mirror on condition of anonymity, “Pre-primary schools have become centres for minting money as the fees range from Rs 30,000 to Rs 80,000 per year. Such exorbitant fees cannot be borne by everyone. Non-RTE students would have already learnt the basics in pre-primary unlike disadvantaged kids who start studying only after enrolling in class 1under RTE.“
Fernand Durai, principal, St Xavier’s School, Gandhinagar, said, “If there is a rule, it has to be implemented. I don’t see any reason to deprive students of their rights if pre-primary education is to be provided free of cost under RTE. Pre-primary schools have just become a means of business.“
Sources from the District Education Office said, “The core reason behind non-implementation of RTE in pre-primary is that the government neither has a right on the pre-primary schools nor a record of their affiliations.“
`MY CHILD LACKS CONFIDENCE’
Shailesh Patel, father of a student enrolled under RTE in St Xavier’s School, Hansol, said, “My daughter feels that she is academically weak compared to her classmates. RTE in pre-primary education would definitely help build confidence of little kids and enable them to learn better.“
Navneet Mehta, DEO (City), said, “It is not that the government has not implemented free education in pre-primary. What are the anganwadi and baalwadi workers for? They teach students coming from low economic backgrounds for free.“
State Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama told Mirror, “Implementation of RTE in pre-primary section is under consideration.
What does Section 11of RTE (2012) say?
Section 11: Appropriate governments to provide for pre-school education. With a view to prepare children above the age of three years for elementary education and to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years, the appropriate government shall make necessary arrangement for providing free pre-school education for such children.
Source – Ahmedabad Mirror – 20th January 2017
