While the Supreme Court verdict upholding the validity of the Right to Education Act is commendable, the fact is 80 per cent children go to a government school or to no school at all (“The right not to be left behind,” April 26). Even if 25 per cent of these children enrol in private schools, providing the rest with quality education is a daunting task. Government schools need better infrastructure, they should attract the best teaching talent and redesign the curriculum. Considerable funds need to be set aside to accomplish this. One wonders whether in a country facing sluggish growth, high inflation, ballooning deficits, and the lack of political will, inclusive schooling will forever remain an elusive dream.
Varad Seshadri,
Sunnyvale
Private institutions should view the RTE as an opportunity rather than a hindrance in imparting quality education. By admitting underprivileged students, they can usher in social diversity in classrooms. Children from rich families will understand that life is not all that cosy, and become more aware of their social responsibility. Such integration will help in imparting value-based education and strengthening the country's roots. Time and again, the world has seen the best of talent coming from humble background.
Pratik Agrawal,
Hyderabad
Keywords: RTE Act