We need to amend Right to Education Act: Maharashtra Education Minister Vinod Tawde

The foremost challenge is to bridge the divide between the education imparted to classes and masses. While I am not against those who spend more on quality education, my concern relates to upgrading the standard of education that is imparted through government and municipal corporation institutions to masses. Ultimately, every student has the right to good and quality education in Maharashtra.

Is there any shortcoming in the Right to Education Act? Will you propose changes?

While RTE objective is laudable there are some rigid clauses which are detrimental and defeats the very purpose for which the act have been evolved. The basic example is the rigid rules on how much land should be acquired for setting up a school. Or emphasise on specifications related to infrastructure. Now, these specifications in city like Mumbai are difficult to fulfill. My government will certainly amend the rules or bring an altogether new act. After all, education is a state subject.

RTE is centre’s act?

RTE is not a bad act. But certain modifications will be required. Now, in state we have large number of sugar factories. There is a large migrants who live here for six months. Now, what about the schooling for their children. The RTE does not address these state specific issues.

How are you going to combat the education barons who have political nexus and wield complete control in the system?

I agree today’s education system is driven by “Laxmi” (goddess of wealth) and not necessarily “Saraswati” (goddess of knowledge). The commercialisation of education system remains a big challenge for the government. We will have to promote individuals and groups keen on promoting education and provide them the government support and ensure
it is not commercially exploited.

Now, HRD is the most significant ministry in centre? What are the centre’s targets for the state?

Ministry of HRD is the flagship of Narendra Modi government. They have set the target of developing skilled manpower by 2020. In Maharashtra, the target is to have skilled manpower of 45 lakh. I am confident in less than five years we will attain the target. These skilled human resources will cater to 800 sectors spread across art, culture , technology and management etc which have been shortlisted by the ministry of HRD.

Now, isn’t providing the infrastructure a state subject?

Education is a social responsibility of state. But, I think we will have to rely on public-private partnership for addressing the
infrastructure and educational institutions. A large number of individuals or groups who are dedicated to the education sector can be roped in and promoted. From “Shikshan Samrat” to “Shikhan Maharshi” we have make the transition.

What about state budget?

Today, we have limitations. The budget allocation of Rs 3,300 crore for primary school is majorly spent on administrative purposes. In the wake of massive debt up to Rs 3 lakh crore there is very little scope to seek higher allocations. Moreover, PPP model has worked across countries, outside Maharashtra and helped to raise the education standards. Why shouldn’t we tap them and make investment in the future of students and institutional excellence.

While demand for new colleges (engineering, medical) increase, there are no students. How you you explain?

Often colleges are sanctioned due to pressure from individuals who take it as a means of making money. In absence of good faculty or infrastructure it is found lacking in imparting professional courses.

Therefore, we have engineering colleges with 20,000 to 25,000 seats vacant every year. Now, how can students enroll in colleges which are sub-standard. We will have to address these problems. At the same time we will have to amend rules to ensure colleges are allowed to adopt to changing curriculum and subjects based on students demand. Now, you
don’t have to sanction a college for every new professional course.

Their can be provisions to introduce the same in existing ones with new faculty.

Do you feel there is a need of reforms in education syllabus in schools and colleges?

Yes, syllabus changes should take place based on the recommendations and study made by experts and academicians. It should not be driven by politicians and bureaucrats.

RSS influence?

Now, RSS teachings are not anti-nationals. It imparts lessons on nationalism. I have been a swayamsevak since ABVP days. But any syllabus will be evolved by experts.