Brushing aside criticism and opposition from political parties on the government adopting CBSE pattern in all government schools, Chief Minister N.Rangasamy on Saturday strongly defended the move and said that the pattern was introduced to give quality education to all students.
“It is not unilateral as alleged by some. A committee of educationists gave its recommendation after analysing the pros and cons. We introduced it with the lofty aim of providing quality education to all and keeping the best of interest of students and public. Even in the State Legislative Assembly, I had announced that the government was set to bring in the CBSE pattern from this year,” said Mr. Rangasamy.
Poor infrastructureDownplaying the issue of poor infrastructure that has been highlighted as a stumbling block in implementing CBSE pattern of education, he stated that “…everything will be taken care of. Adequate infrastructure will be created and teachers will be trained.”
Stating that several people welcomed the move, he said only a few criticised the introduction. He also allayed concerns that learning of the vernacular Tamil medium would be affected and said it was a completely wrong notion.
On a question whether the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act would be implemented in the State, he said: “It is in a discussion stage at the level of officials who will identify which schools that the system would be introduced first.”
Mr.Rangasamy said he would soon meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi and urge the Union government to relieve the State government from financial burden.
“I will also seek the centre to waive loans and infuse sufficient funds, besides putting forth the long-standing demand for granting statehood to the Union Territory”, added Mr.Rangasamy.
The Chief Minister also said: “If only statehood is given, the government elected by public will get adequate power to discharge its duties. Then we need not depend or approach the Union Government for everything.
Even a parliamentary committee had earlier recommended the statehood to the Union Territories. Hence, once again we will reiterate our demand in the given situation. I hope the Union government would give such a status to Puducherry.”