School Education Draft Act 2013 has been brought to the public domain to invite suggestions from educationists, teachers, students and members of civil society. We have already, in these columns, welcomed the bill that will mean a great favour to the children who will be entitled to free and compulsory education up to 8th class. There are various aspects of the bill and one is dealing with the responsibility of the parents to ensure that the children are not deprived of elementary education. The draft Bill suggests that schools will be opened within three years at places where elementary education is not available as at present. A significant clause of the Act will be that of banning private tuition by teachers employed with the State Education Department. We consider it a landmark Act that will go a long way in eradicating illiteracy in our State. Free and compulsory education will be provided up to 8th class. In case of a student not able to continue his education or faced with a gap, will be admitted in a class commensurate with his ability. Government schools will not charge any fee from the students because education will be free. Local/Village Committees will be formed to advise the Government authorities on how to carry forward the Government’s new educational policy in regard to school education. These are all very admirable steps and should be supported in the interests of the broad civil society. However the crucial question is that the teachers in government schools have to give proof of delivery. From the results that we find of various examinations, performance of Government schools is very low. This has to be taken care of.
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