Dear Friends,
Parliamentary elections are now being in process and long awaited 'Right to education bill' is still pending for tabling on the floor of Parliament, since long. No any recognized political party is having the agenda of education as a prominent issue in this election, neither through in its campaign nor focusing in election manifesto. Unfortunately, no any campaign has come out with the mass mobilization or any other powerful manner of advocacy for asking the accountability of State, while state has completely failed to fulfill its constitutional promises/ obligations, despite the constitutional amendment for RTE was made in year 2002. PCCSS (people's campaign for common school system) was always been associated with the drafting of RTE bill, since its inception. You might be remember that Tribal and marginal section of society along with academicians has intervened several times under the banner of PCCSS and also proposed pro-people amendments in the draft. PCCSS has made a popular demand that RTE bill should be drafted with the perspective of equity in education keeping CSS in centrality. After long conversations held across the country, the conclusion was evolved that 'common school system' (CSS) is the only option for Indian society making RTE as a truth. No other option is left for deprived section of society to get equitable quality education, in the present era of commercialization. At this juncture of parliamentary elections, which are crucial for the country, we find ourselves unable to make any distinguished difference regarding to take forward our campaign due to some organizational lapses and disintegrations existing within the structure.
As you know friend that the proposed draft made by MHRD is full of the flaws opposing equity in education and legitimizing multi-track educational system. No attachment for financial memorandum and time frame for implementation were made. Mushrooming private schools are free from any obligation. They are charging heavy fee from parents at one hand and the other hand creating sever disparity among people on the basis of poor and rich. No doubt, private schools are openly violating the principles of fundamental right to education and proposed draft is incapable to check them. It is totally anti-people draft manipulated by beurocracy and wasted interests. It is a long battle; we have to win it with the help of Indian masses instead of conducting circled debate.
I discussed with our colleagues for the revival of PCCSS in a new shape by incorporating some other committed fellows/ intellectuals and mass leaders. We can remember our early days; PCCSS was formed with the aim of strengthening the struggle for common school system focusing the agenda of equity, democracy and social justice. For this purpose, PCCSS was committed to bring together leaders of mass organizations, academia, intellectuals and representatives of deprived sections. PCCSS has delivered its commitments to some extent. But facing some road blocks, now a days, it has to take a new leap beyond its limitations.
- After elections and formation of new Government, struggle for common school system would be taken forward under the banner of PCCSS with mass intervention.
- A meeting for reorganization of PCCSS would also be called at Delhi with inviting the new like-minded people in the month of July.
- Struggle for pro-people amendments in the proposed draft of RTE, bill, would be continued in the front of new Parliament.
Kindly make your suggestions.
Regards,
Ambarish Rai
Convener, PCCS