By R Lester Makang
UKHRUL, March 22: Various anomalies in the functioning of the state education system continue to stand in the way of proper implementation of the children`s right to free and compulsory education under the Right To Education (RTE) Act 2009 in Ukhrul district.
This came to light during a recent district level consultative meeting on RTE Act at TTA Conference Hall, Hamleikhong which was participated by officials of ADC Ukhrul, ZEO Ukhrul, SSA Ukhrul, SMDC members, representatives of PASDO, UDACR, NGOs and media persons of the district.
Taking stock of the implementation of RTE Act in the district three years after it came into effect, convenor of UDACR/ executive secretary, PASDO, Thotchuila Hongray, in her welcome address, raised various concerns pertaining to implementation of the act in the district.
“Many provisions guaranteed under RTE have failed to reach the targeted children. Children in many schools still do not receive exercise books, complete uniforms, apart from depriving them of safe drinking water and midday-meal rice.”
Besides, many schools do not have the facility of separate toilets for boys and girls and midday meal kitchens, she pointed out.
Highlighting that frequent transfer and shortage of teachers is affecting the functioning of schools, Hongray cited that the Phungyar Primary School has only one teacher since the one recently posted is being utilized under SSA and Kalhang-Kuirei High School has 5/6 teachers.
She further lamented, dereliction of duty by teachers is the main culprit in besetting the school functioning, while adding that erratic salary payment also affected teachers’ performance.
Responding to these alleged anomalies, DI, ZEO, Ukhrul Yo Kapai maintained that at times negligence on the part of DDO resulted in delayed payment of salaries to teachers.
He further suggested that in order to strengthen school functioning, SMDC members should work in unity, while adding that they should not delay in complaining for absence of any teachers and should not fear or favour anyone.
Taking part in the day`s deliberation, DPM, SSA, Ringshan Shaiza suggested that procurement of any provisions should be done within the stipulated time of the year.
Admitting helplessness on delayed construction bill clearance, he said that this happened when fund release is delayed by the Centre.
Meanwhile, he called upon all concerned to perform their respective duties with sincerity and devotion so that politics does not play a dominant role in the functioning of school administration.
Many participants mostly from SMDC also voiced their grievances during the meeting.
The one day consultation program was jointly organized by PASDO and UDACR-MACR.