Over 50 slum kids do not attend school, inquiry ordered

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, March 24

Following a clear violation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, state deputy project director, Samagra Shiksha, has already ordered an inquiry into the matter. 

In fact, more than 50 students were found deprived of school education, which prompted the deputy project director to order an inquiry. He has asked district education officer (DEO) submit report on the matter within seven days. 

It is pertinent to mention here that 50 students of a slum near New Power House Colony, Block 2, Patiala, have not been attending the Government Elementary School, during regular hours. They go to a school at the colony in the evening and are looked after by Har Hath Kalam, an NGO.

Giving more information members of the NGO told The Tribune that students had gone to the school, but were ill treated by its staff and the matter was brought to the notice of the DEO and Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC). 

“Following this, the administration allowed us (NGO) to teach these students on the school premises in the evening hours,” added NGO members.

The deputy project director, in a letter to the DEO, questioned why were students not attending the school despite a government institution in front of the slum? Moreover, he also inquired about the whereabouts of 49 education volunteers working in the block 2, Patiala. 

“Why these volunteers, who work with the knowledge of the Education Department, have been unable to discover these students?” questioned the deputy project director.

The director also questioned in charge of the Government Elementary School, New Power House Colony, for ignoring the basic right to free education of the students under the constitution. 

“Our school staff has visited the slum a couple of times, but parents are adamant not to send their kids to the school. We hope to bring these children to school from the upcoming academic session,” said Balbir Kaur, in charge, Government Elementary School, New House Power Colony.