Though it was introduced in 2009, the state has now devised the draft rules to simplify the jargon-loaded Act.
“Many schools have misunderstood the Act or are confused about its implementation. Earlier, we had issued government regulations (GRs) that sought to implementation of certain sections of the Act; however, confusion prevailed,” said Balasaheb Thorat, minister for primary and secondary education.
The draft rules have been uploaded on the education department website and are open for public suggestions or objections till November 19.
Scrutinising the feedback, the government will convey the same to the Centre and chalk out the next course of action. “We may come up with revised draft rules,” said Thorat.
According to the minister, many doubts about the Act still persist. “It’s unclear whether the onus of implementing the Act will be on a block education officer or a deputy director of public instruction,” he explained. Then there is this indisputable fact about 30 per cent students being first-generation learners.
“More importantly, the condition of schools in cities and villages varies. This factor also needs to be looked into,” Thorat added.
Lamenting what he termed “flawed” priorities, Thorat said prioritising primary education was overdue. “Unfortunately, higher education gets investments and priorities, whereas primary education is pushed to the corner. This should change,” he asserted. The state has also put the onus of implementation on the Centre, saying it should extend ‘sufficient’ monetary support.
“Unless the Union government releases the funds required for the implementation of the Act, the Act will not be feasible,” said Thorat.The Centre will incur 68 per cent of the implementation cost while the state will bear the rest.