Proposed amendments in Delhi School Education Act against interest of teachers: BJP

The proposed amendments in the Delhi School Education Act is "against the interests" of teachers, Delhi BJP said on Thursday.

New Delhi: The proposed amendments in the Delhi School Education Act is "against the interests" of teachers and staff of private schools as it seeks to do away with the parity of salary between private and government teachers, Delhi BJP said on Thursday.

Opposition leader Vijender Gupta said that the proposals seek to omit the requirement of prior approval of the Central Government for making any rule under Delhi School Education Act, 1973.

"Delhi Government unilaterally cannot make such proposal by itself. Such powers are to be invested by the Central Government in the Delhi Government for which a proper procedure needs to be followed," Gupta said.

Barring the provision that does away with the screening procedure for admission in nursery classes, rest of the proposals need to be rejected outright, he said.

"The government's proposal seeks to amend Section that ensures parity of staff, salaries between private schools and government schools. This amendment will go against the interests of teachers and staff of private schools. It will lead to their exploitation," he added.

He also criticised the the decision to scrap the policy of no detention till class 8 saying it will go against the concept of Right to Education and increase dropout rates in schools.

The AAP Cabinet recently cleared amendments in The Delhi School Education Act 1973 which scrapped the process of interviews at the nursery and other entry levels. More importantly, those taking donations or capitation will be fined Rs 5 lakh or 10 times the donation taken (whichever is more) as per the proposed amendment.

The Delhi School Education Amendment Act and the Delhi Schools Verification of Accounts and Refund of Excess Fee Bill will be introduced in the ongoing Winter Session of the Assembly.