Patna: The implementation of the Right to
Education Act in Bihar hit a roadblock with over 25,000
private schools across the state observing a total strike
on Wednesday paralysing teaching works to protest against the state
government's bid to 'impose registration' on schools.
The strike was called by the Confederation of four school
associations -- Independent Schools' Association, Christian
Minority Association, Bihar Public Schools and Children
Welfare Association and Muslim Education Welfare Association.
In the face of growing protests from private school
managements, the government has extended the last date for
registration of schools with it to November 12 instead of
September 30 as notified earlier.
The associations have also called a mega conference of
all private schools here on October 16 to deliberate on the
matter.
D K Singh, Convener of the Confederation, said despite
extension of the date, +the issues remain+.
As per the (Right to Education) Act, the time for
registration is six months from the date that the Act comes
into force and this will end on November 12, official sources
said.
"But the larger question is how can private schools allow
government interference in its management and day-to-day
affairs," Singh said.
Singh further said as per the Act, anyone in the
government could ask for inspection of schools and seek
financial details.
State Primary Education Jont Director R S Singh said the
government would try to dispel the 'misgivings' about the move
through advertisement in a few days.
"The government has no intention of interfering in the
management of private schools in any way. But under the Right
to Education (RTE)Act, 2009, there are certain clearly laid
down norms, which have to be adhered to by all," he added.
He said the private schools need not worry about
registration, as it was a requirement under the RTE Act.
"For institutions already affiliated to CBSE and ICSE
boards, the RTE Act lays down much lower criteria," he said
adding it was wrong on part of the private schools to
propagate that the government intended to interfere with the
management.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, September 28, 2011, 19:26