The elementary education scenario in the state of Orissa is far from satisfactory in spite of gains achieved by Sarva Sikhsa Abhiyan. With the passing of the Right to Education Act., the state has only 3 years to implement its provisions and ensure universal, free and compulsory education of a guranteed minimum quality for all children. In light of the current state of affairs, it appears to be a tall order unless serious and urgent reforms are undertaken to bring in much needed accountability, ownership and motivation among all stakeholders to achieve the lofty goals of RTE 2008. While drafting the rules for implementation of the RTE in the state, it is proposed that a decentralised, pragmatic, flexible, progressive and incentive based approach to organisation, structure and governance of our massive school system be adopted. While a generation of young lives awaits for the system to respond to their fundamental right to education, its is every concerned citizen's responsibility to see that this once in a lifetime opportunity is not wasted.
Original Title
Time to Rethink Sarva Sikhsa Abhiyan in Orissa? Five things that need to change to implement 'Right to Education' effectively
The elementary education scenario in the state of Orissa is far from satisfactory in spite of gains achieved by Sarva Sikhsa Abhiyan. With the passing of the Right to Education Act., the sta…