The Hindu : Front Page : Strengthen public education system: Baby

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jun 06, 2006

Front Page

Front Page

Strengthen public education system: Baby

Staff Reporter

Teachers told to enrol their children in government or aided schools

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Education Minister M.A. Baby has asked teachers and other staff of government schools to enrol their children in either government or aided schools to set an example for others and help improve the lot of these schools. The Government will organise an awareness programme for this and if need be will also think of formulating a law to this effect.

Mr. Baby was speaking at the State-level inauguration of `Pravesanotsavom,' a festival designed to welcome newcomers to schools and help them overcome the fear of going to school, here on Monday.

"Those who speak about the need for uplifting government and aided schools should send their children only to these schools. The standard of government and aided schools needs to improve. There is need to strengthen the public education system," the Minister said.

The Government will not close any government or aided school on the pretext that they are uneconomical and that they do not have sufficient number of students. The Government is determined that there should be at least 200 working days for schools in an academic year. While those who perform well should be encouraged, those who do not perform well should not be taunted by parents or friends.

"I can understand parents lovingly chiding their wards for not performing well in studies. But if it goes beyond a limit then it will not be allowed. We will find out such parents and give them the cane treatment (chooral kashaayam)," the Minister said.

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