RTE convention held in Ukhrul
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Ukhrul, September 15 2011: In an effort to augment effective implementation of Right to Education (RTE) in the state, the Ukhrul District Alliance for Child Rights (UDACR) in collaboration with Manipur Alliance for Child Rights (MACR) has on Thursday organised the District Level Convention on RTE in Ukhrul at multi-hall, Mini Secretariat.

In a keynote address UDACR convenor H Thotchuila, said, "�we still experience a big gap between what is promised to children and what is being implemented on the ground" .

In the last 62 years since the country's Independence, she stated that "The Act (RTE) is a historic opportunity for providing better future to children of the country as there was never such a landmark legislation�However, this can really happen if all the stakeholders honestly take the responsibility and there is a political will to happen this" .

However, UDACR Convenor cited the multiple lacunae dogging the RTE implementation in the state.

In her keynote address, she mentioned the undue delay and insufficient supply of school materials to children, non-improvement of school infrastructure and failure to implement 25percent reservation for economically disadvantaged children.

Thotchuila also stated, "There is no intervention of for children with special needs, particularly mentally challenged children." Further, she called upon the need for quality education, discontinuation of corporal and metal harassment meted out to the children, still prevailing in various schools in the state, while also emphasizing on incorporating counseling aspects in teacher's training.

Other child rights activists, who also participated in the convention, echoed similar view on the ground realities of RTE implementation in Manipur.

"This convention is to promote a campaign for proper implementation of RTE, which is lacking various areas in the state," MACR convenor Keisam Pradip said.

"Ask what action has been taken in the district in case of default in RTE implementation," he posed a query to the participants on the status of RTE implementation in Ukhrul.

The convention was today graced by Ukhrul SDO Rajan Vishal, who stepped in as chief guest in the eleventh hour after the DC was inopportune to attend the programme.

Harping upon the need for community participation in regard to RTE implementation, Rajan also urged the organizer to the campaign to grassroot level.

"Community participation is very important for effective RTE implementation�organizers should also take the campaign to sub-divisional area," he stated.

Ukhrul ZEO Ngaraipam Luikham elaborated on the status of RTE implementation in the district.

However, he expressed regret for failure to effectively implement the historic Act citing functional difficulties.

Urging the UDACR to join hands with the zonal education office in implementing the RTE, he is optimistic of effectiveness and transparency in RTE campaign.

In the technical session, which was held on certain issues including SMC formation, 25 percent reservation, school recognition process, proxy teachers, corporal punishment, teachers pupil ratio (TPR) among others, many participants pitched in questions for discussion.

Interestingly, the technical session witnessed spirited debated between the child rights activists and Ukhrul ZEO.

Shirui SMC also shared their RTE experience during the programme.

Today's convention was moderated by Ukhrul-based Child Worker Committee member secretary Ringyuichon Vashum, while the welcome address was delivered by Tangkhul Shanao Long president Sila J Konghay and vote of thanks was pronounced by UDACR core committee Veronica Zingkhai.

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