While the Karnataka Unaided Schools Management Association (KUSMA) is slowly retreating from its state-wide week-long strike with its tail between its legs, as schools have staunchly refused to cooperate with the bandh, the Karnataka State Private Schools Management Federation (KSPSMF) will present a list of demands to Education Minister Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri on Thursday regarding the Right to Education Act.
Now that the issue of minority schools is safely out of the way with the Government clearly defining a minority institution and its role in the Right to Education Act, the other contentious issue is the 3.5 lakh intake per annum that has been stipulated. The remuneration offered by the government to schools for taking children from disadvantaged sections, is also insufficient, claims the Federation.
“We regret the inconvenience caused to children and their parents by KUSMA's strike," said L. R. Shivaramegowda, president, KSPSMF. “However, the government of Karnataka retaliated with a threat of strong action instead of showing forbearance and addressing the situation amicably.”
“The Federation confirms its full support to the RTE and disadvantaged children being educated, but issues with implementation need to be addressed,” said Mr Shivaramegowda. For example, ‘neighbourhood schools’ referred to by the RTE Act needs to be defined. Defining children eligible for the government’s reimbursement and identifying them in time is another implementation issue that need to be sorted out. “Eligibility of children for admission under the RTE needs to be restricted to BPL card holding families. Fixing an upper limit of Rs 3.5 lakh defeats the purpose of the RTE. The truly needy children won't get the education they need,” Mr Shivaramegowda held.