By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 2: The State Education Mission Authority of Meghalaya (SEMAM), Samagra Shiksha, in collaboration with Indus Action, organised a sensitization and training programme for stakeholders from all 12 districts of the state. The programme focused on the implementation of Section 12(1)(c) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, and was held at the DERT Annexe here from May 27 to 30.
The inaugural session was graced by several dignitaries, including Swapnil Tembe, Secretary, Education department, and State Project Director, SEMAM, Samagra Shiksha; Banteilang J Kharshandi, Director of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) and Deputy State Project Director, SEMAM, Samagra Shiksha; and Dr Andrew Warjri, Officer on Special Duty, Samagra Shiksha.
Swapnil Tembe, in his keynote address, stated that provisions contained in Section 12(1)(c) of the Act mandates that the schools coming from private unaided schools (non-minority) shall admit the children belonging to the weaker section and disadvantaged groups of the society in Class- I to the extent at least 25% of the strength of that class, children belonging to weaker section and disadvantaged group (including ST, SC, children suffering from HIV, orphan etc.) in the neighbourhood, and provide free and compulsory elementary education till its completion as per the provision made under Section -12(1)(c) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
In light of this, he stated that all private unaided-recognised schools in the state are to reserve a minimum of 25% of their seats starting at the entry level of class 1 onwards for EWS and DG children. He also emphasised that studying together in a school will bring inclusivity, ending stigma and discrimination towards the poor section of society, and strengthening the bond between the children.
Speaking on the occasion, DSEL Kharchandi highlighted that the implementation of this section will help many poor families and children across the state get an opportunity for schooling with free and compulsory education. This provision ensures that children from these groups have access to quality education without facing fee barriers. He further urged all the stakeholders, including the District Education Department, Private schools, parents, guardians and communities to come forward and work in a collaborative approach while implementing RTE 12 (1)(c), he said.
The programme aimed to raise awareness, train all the officials, and build capacity among stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of RTE, Section 12(1)(c). To strengthen the system, a web portal called the Right to Education (RTE) Portal was established to centralise all applications and the registration process. This process will ease students’ applications, schools registration, and department operation and monitoring process. This portal will cater to the responsibility of all stakeholders by simplifying the application and registration process, streamlining administrative tasks, providing efficient grievance redressal mechanisms, transparency and accountability.