The Hindu : Kerala News : Mixed response to Government move on school education

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Sunday, Jun 24, 2007
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Kerala

Mixed response to Government move on school education

The Government is planning to entrust the management of Government and Government-aided schools to panchayats and other local bodies. The move has drawn opposition from some teachers’ unions. Will such an arrangement work? Will it be benefic ial to the educational sector? Our readers respond:

Harmful move

The move to entrust the management of schools to panchayats under the pretext of increasing efficiency is a continuation of the Government policy of assigning top academic posts to the unqualified. Such an arrangement will benefit not the education sector but those who sing paeans to the parties in power. It is tantamount to torturing teachers who are already burdened by having to award full marks to all students, whatever their calibre. Efficiency of teachers and institutions can be increased not by transferring authority but through a careful analysis of the present drawbacks such as overcrowded classrooms that prevent teachers from giving their best. While those in mainstream politics are given relaxation in their school duties, it is left to the others to take on the extra burden and suffer the punishment which will be imposed by the local bodies. Such external interference can only dim the zeal of the teachers. For smart teachers and smart classrooms, we need smarter policies.

Susan Alexander

Kulakkada

Already overburdened

Most teachers work amidst difficult conditions, doing quite a lot of clerical work that takes up precious time and energy which could have been used in teaching. Both teachers and students, especially of the female sex, are forced to perform their duties without even basic facilities such as sanitation.

The question is whether the local bodies can improve such conditions in schools. That many of the local bodies have a lot of their work pending should not be ignored.

Many of these panchayats do not have enough funds, so how can they cater to the needs of the schools if education also comes under their purview?

Who shall exercise control over the Principals and Headmasters is yet another pertinent question.

Moreover, the morale and dignity of teachers will be affected if they become mere contract workers in the hands of local bodies.

When the local bodies have the power to appoint and terminate teachers and staff, the chances of vested interests wielding their influence become high.

The result will be corruption in the recruitment process.

The Government move to devolve powers should be put into effect only after a rethink. There are other possibilities to bring education and its values from the brink of ruin.

Sajeena Shukkoor

Thiruvananthapuram

Counterproductive

Decentralisation of academic administration is per se unobjectionable as it ensures effective utilisation of resources and focussed implementation of programmes. However, entrusting the management of Government controlled/aided schools to local bodies will be counterproductive in the long run. The local institutions are already burdened with innumerable tasks and are ill-equipped to manage educational institutions. Inadequate manpower, lack of expertise and orientation in educational matters are the main impediments. Besides, conflicts of interest between the teaching fraternity and the staff of local bodies will paralyse decision making.

V.N. Mukundarajan

Thiruvananthapuram

Fillip to corruption

The Government’s proposal to entrust the management of Government and aided schools to panchayats is a welcome step if implemented well. Most Government schools in our State are in a bad state, with no adequate buildings or lab facilities. This is not owing to lack of funds, but poor management of allotted funds.

But handing over complete power to the panchayats will lead to corruption. It will be better if the panchayats are given adequate representation in the school management.

The management must include representatives from the school, panchayat and the parent-teacher association (PTA). A majority of the members must be from the PTA. Every year, funds allotted to panchayats lapse because of non-utilisation. Inclusion of panchayat members in the school management will help them allot the surplus fund for the welfare of the students.

Deepa Nair M.S

Pallichal

Catch in the plan

The plan to entrust the management of Government and Government-aided schools to panchayats and other local bodies can be made a success or at least it can ameliorate the current situation in the sector provided the whole system is delivered in the hands of the governing bodies that are responsible and able.

Once the management is transferred, the Government should keep a close watch over the local bodies – whether they are doing their work properly or not. Harikumar J.S

Thiruvananthapuram

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