CHENNAI: The idea of Samacheer Kalvi as envisioned by the Tamil Nadu Government only serves to bring a common syllabus for schools, while the equality in education is missing, say educationists. At a State level consultation organized by the Institute of Human Rights Education (IHRE) here in the city, experts in the field of education presented their views on what the TN Government should do today in the field of education. The discussion also covered the “predatory” fee system in schools and the implementation of the Right to Education Act in the state.Chairperson of IHRE, Dr V Vasanthi Devi says that the issue of education has become a war. She asks, “What is the problem that people who oppose Samacheer Kalvi have? What is it that they want for the education system in our state?” Stating that the matter has become pathetic in our state, where schools have reopened and no textbooks are available, Vasanthi says, “Samacheer is more than just equal syllabus. It means fees and facilities should be also be equitable.” “The amount spent by the TN Government on one child per month is `660, as opposed to Himachal Pradesh, which spends `1,700, Kerala with `1,542, and Punjab which spends, `1,444,” says Vasanthi, adding that this gives a fair idea of why there are practically no facilities in many schools in the state.Various other educationists and human rights activitsts spoke on the problems faced by the system, with a focus on Tamil Nadu. Henri Tiphagne, Executive Director, People’s Watch said, “Human rights for all are attainable only through equal education for all.” Eminent writer S Ramakrishnan said, “We should not be of the mindset that English is the only language to impart education as students find it easier to grasp when taught in mother tongue.”Veteran educationist SS Rajagopal felt that it was time the government stopped merely talking about the issue and starts to act. “While Tamil Nadu historically has been a pioneer in inclusive education by adopting the mid-day meal scheme, we should not slip behind by failing to implement the Samacheer Kalvi,” said educationist Prince Gajendrababu. A Tamil documentary film, Enakku Illaya Kalvi? (Don’t I have the right to education?) was released. Directed by Bharathi Krishnan, with music by Prabhakar, the film takes a tour of Tamil Nadu’s government schools, and portrays the present reality of education as discriminatory and prohibitory to the masses. An excerpt from the film was screened.“As part of a committee which brought out the Samacheer Kalvi textbooks, I should say that we look at the propaganda in the books rather than the deeper problems that go with it. Those who did not know to read Tamil were on the committee of Tamil text books.” said Maadasamy, educationist. The issues that came out included the problems which rise from politicians and corporates interfering in the educational system, the teachers’ lack of interest in the latest developments in their subject and specific issues as regards to Samacheer Kalvi textbooks.
Comments
0 comment