Sibal underlines role of Govt. schools in implementing RTE

NEW DELHI - Union Human Resource and Development Minister Kapil Sibal on Friday underlined the role of the Government schools system in the implementation of the Right of children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE).

Sibal pointed out that 93 percent of the children in India are studying in government schools.

“The RTE has given the government, which manages the government school system, a unique opportunity to raise the level of elementary education in the country, so that the HR needs of the country, in the future, are met,” said Sibal, while addressing the valedictory session of the Conference of State School Education Secretaries here today.

Sibal said a software for transparent teacher recruitment has been prepared and stated that the States must also undertake teacher recruitment in a transparent manner.

Underlining the need for a transparent teacher transfer policy, Sibal emphasized that the role of the teacher, of the school, of the government, must be to ensure that education is child centric.

On the occasion, he called upon States to come forward and implement the RTE with enthusiasm.

Pointing out that the Centre had allocated additional funds for the States and made the sharing pattern in a ratio on 65:35 for five years, Sibal called upon the States to work towards appropriate teacher qualifications and infrastructure norms as mandated by the RTE.

During the session, a presentation was made on education of equitable quality and on revised teacher qualifications. (ANI)