Activists of the Karnataka Dalit Sangarsh Samithi (DSS) staged a demonstration here on Monday to protest against the delay in the implementation of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 (RTE).
The activists expressed anger at private unaided institutions that had completed the admission process, thus closing the doors on the 25 per cent reservation meant for students from socially and economically backward backgrounds under the Act.
They threatened to seal the locks of such schools and stage a demonstration in front of the institutions if they did not accommodate students under the quota.
Commenting on how the State government was dilly-dallying in the implementation of the RTE, the protestors alleged that the government was causing a delay to favour the private schools.
DSS president N. Murthy said, “In the name of education, there is discrimination. There is no such thing as first class education. The State government needs to take action immediately, but is delaying it as it is in support of the private schools.”
The protestors demanded the resignation of Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri for the delay in implementuing the Act , and added that the government should pressure private schools to fall in line and admit students from disadvantaged backgrounds from this academic year.
