6

“Rationalization”: Real objective#1?

Since it is obvious that “rationalization” measures being trumpeted by Indore’s District Planning Committee are themselves irrational, the question that logically follows what, then, are they really going to achieve?

One answer to this question lies in the logical extrapolation of the trends that have been started as a result of these measures. Already, the confusion created by this decision has encouraged parents to opt for private schools in the current academic year (Nav Bharat, July 1). Given the wider context of rather lax rules and procedures for recognition of private schools (Box-6), it is reasonable to expect that closure of government schools, will result in existing private schools flourishing and new private schools coming up.

Thus the current process of “rationalization” may serve the interests of private parties (and even government teachers) directly and indirectly involved in managing private schools. But it is going to be to the tremendous disadvantage of the already disadvantaged sections of society who cannot afford private schools. It is also against the Indian state’s constitutional commitment to play a direct role in education

Box-6: Recognition of Private schools

Earlier private schools were recognized from class-1 onwards after they satisfied prescribed criteria. Now the administration has done away with the need for recognition up to class 4 and recognition for Class 5 onwards is provided against payment of a fixed amount as a deposit with the department. For Rs.10000 for primary, 15000 for middle and 25000 for high school a society registered for purposes of providing education can now get permission to run a school after doing the necessary paper work. Obviously, this relaxation in procedure has adversely affected quality of education. At the same time, the state’s share in education has declined (Nav Bharat, May 17). Further, in response to an assembly question, the state minister admitted that in several cases recognition had been granted by the Joint Director of Public Education in Indore in an irregular manner (Dainik Bhaskar, June 2)