Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development D. Purandeswari has said it is the responsibility of the State government to define the concept of neighbourhood school for reserving 25 per cent seats in private schools to children from the disadvantaged sections under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act.
Addressing presspersons here on Saturday, she said the Centre was working closely with State governments on implementation of the Act. Though the Act was notified on April 1, parents and school managements were unaware of its implementation. Hence, the Act would be enforced from the next academic year (2011–12). “The Karnataka government should tell us what in its view is neighbourhood school? We will interact with the State government to iron out differences and ensure effective implementation of the Act,” Ms. Purandeswari said. Several States, including Karnataka, had submitted draft guidelines on the concept of neighbourhood school. The Act mandates ensuring eight years of free and compulsory quality education to all children in schools closer to their homes. Ms. Purandeswari said the Centre had launched the Sakshara Bharat Mission 2012, aimed at educating illiterate girls, aged above 15, across the country. The aim was to educate at least seven crore illiterate women in 167 districts in the next few years.
Delay
Though the programme was launched in 2007, its implementation had been delayed. Hence, the mission would be extended at least for two years, as it was being implemented only from last year. A sum of Rs. 6,500 crore had been earmarked for the purpose. A sum of Rs. 161 crore had been set aside for implementation of the programme in 18 districts of Karnataka. The programme would help in improving the socio-economic condition of women as they could secure benefits under the National Rural Health Mission, National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, and Integrated Child Development Services, she said.
On the University Grant Commission, the Medical Council of India , Dental Council of India and All-India Council for Technical Education , Ms. Purandeswari said they would brought under the National Commission for Higher Education and Research.
