Indian Express 10.11.2010
Will need Rs 600 crore for RTE: MCD to Delhi Govt
Tags : Municipal Corporation of Delhi, MCD, Right To Education Posted: Wed Nov 10 2010, 04:58 hrs
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has sought a sum of Rs 600 crore from the Delhi government to implement the Right To Education (RTE) Act in its schools.
Education Committee Chairman Mahinder Nagpal, on Tuesday, said the MCD has chalked out a plan to improve its education system, which includes building 40 new schools at a cost of Rs 600 crore. The plan includes conversion of all primary schools into middle-level educational institutions, special arrangements for differently abled children, single-shift systems, co-education, establishment of similar timings in all schools, creation of new posts for teachers and construction of 40 new school buildings.
Stating that the scheme has been forwarded to the NCT, Government of Delhi, for approval, Nagpal said the funds would also be used on other essential provisions for students such as drinking water facilities, libraries, computer laboratories and improved furniture at all schools. “The implementation of the plan will start as soon as we receive approval and the required funds,” he said.
Earlier, the Delhi Government had said it is having a hard time implementing the RTE Act in the city because several schools belonging to the MCD and NDMC do not come under its jurisdiction. However, the MCD now seems keen on implementing it.
“To provide education to children from all strata of society, we also need to hire more teachers. In the case of differently abled children, specially trained teachers will have to be hired,” said Nagpal, adding that the MCD is suffering from an acute scarcity of teachers. He said by implementing the new scheme, more posts will be created for teachers, and the MCD may ask the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board to appoint approximately 10,000 teachers, including primary, special, specialised and nursery teachers. The bio-metric system of attendance will be introduced in MCD schools to ensure presence of teachers. An annual record of schoolchildren will also be maintained.
