The Act brings up social, administrative and money problems. It is also silent on nutritional issues.
While the Supreme Court of India's recent judgement to implement the Right to Education (RTE) Act has put private schools in a quandary, Gujarat government too is facing logistic, administrative and as social problems in execution of this Act.
State education minister Ramanlal Vora on Wednesday spoke on these issues, elaborating that they are not only administrative but social too.
A major hindrance in implementation of RTE Act is sharing of expenses between the state and Centre for education in Gujarat. "In schemes announced by the Centre, 75% of the expenditure is borne by the union government while 25% of it is footed by the state. However, there is lack of clarity when it comes to the RTE Act," said Vora.
Sources in the state education department confirmed this anomaly. According to them, Gujarat government bears nearly 87% of total expenses on primary education in the state. Centre's Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is part of this primary education scheme where the state foots 35% of the bill. "Even in the remaining 65%, union government is not giving funds as promised," said sources.
Vora is confident that Gujarat can implement the RTE Act but he isn't sure about other states.
"While Gujarat is giving Centre suggestions in the RTE issue, other states are asking for help to fulfil their needs (in implementation of the Act)," said Vora.
He further raised question on who will foot bills of school uniforms, transportation, and books of the 25% students who will be admitted free-of-cost to private schools.
"Let's assume that parents of these poor children will manage costs of uniforms and books; but will private schools be able to provide these children midday meals? What are the steps towards ensuring nutrition of these kids? The Act is silent on these issues," added Vora.
"We also have to consider psychological effects which these poor kids might experience by studying with well-off peers. How they will adjust to such an environment remains a question."
"It's not about criticising the Act, but these are practical issues that are creating hurdles," added the minister.
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