NCPCR team haunted by ghost of govt schools
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, February 24 2012: The existing condition of the school building of Keirao Social Primary School at Keirao Bitra may be comparatively better than many of the 'dilapidated structures' that passed off as educational institutions under the State Education Department in different parts of the state.

But the sight took away the wit out of an official team of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) .

"Its too bad and shocking", was the first words that came out of the mouth of Kiran Bhatty, National Co-ordizntor, RTE Division, NCPCR, while coming out from inspection of the school, which does not have even have the basic requirement of a 'normal' school like proper classrooms, desks and benches, etc.

Mrs Bhatty is currently on a two-day visit to the state leading an official team of NCPCR to find out how the provisions of the Rights of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 have been translated into action in the government schools of Manipur.

The NCPCR team arrived as part of the public awareness campaign being conducted by Theatre in Education Unit for Children of Khenjonglang in association with Hueiyen Lanpao dailyas media partner.

Interacting with the parents of the students studying in the school, Mrs Bhatty explained that the right of children to free and compulsory education upto to the elementary stage is not like some schemes or projects of the government which are launched from time to time but a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution of India.

But to ensure successful implementation of this Act, the parents have to play an importantrole and actively involve in the functioning of the school through participation in the school management committees where parents should comprise 75 percent of the members.

Moreover, until and unless the parents speak up and lodge complaint over deprivation of this fundamental right to their children and other assured benefits including school uniforms, text books, note books, provision for Mid-Day Meal, etc, Right to Education Act is meaningless and and NCPCR would not be able to do anything, Mrs Bhatty pointed out.

NCPCR also listen to the complaints of the teachers and other school authorities over the difficulties faced in ensuring the provisions given under the Act to the students.

However, not lodging complaint and then depriving the rights of the children is punishable, she said, adding that the complaint could be lodged either directly to NCPCR or through the organiser of the campaign.

To a question on why NCPCR has not taken up any cases including suo moto related to Manipur even after nearly two years of implementing the Act, Mrs Bhatty admitted that NCPCR is not aware of the existing education scenario in Manipur and assured that since has come and see with her own eyes, necessary actions would be taken up definitely.

On the last day of their visit tomorrow, NCPCR team would be interacting with mediapersons, intellectuals, educationists, child rights activists, etc at Manipur Press Club at 11 am.

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