Education Miles Away
Channel: VideoVolunteers
Date: 23/06/2010

Realizing the Right to Education will be a large challenge in the Northeast.
In Manipur many children travel long distances to reach decent schools. Many do not attend the government schools due to a lack of proper infrastructure, teachers and supplies.

Implementing the Central government's Right to Education Act in the Northeast will be a unique challenge for both the states and the Center. The act outlines specific guidelines for the proximity and infrastructure of every school. According to the act, every neighborhood must have a school within walking distance. These schools must comply with the exact infrastructure requirements designated in the bill. This includes such provisions as classroom structures, playgrounds, learning materials and libraries. The number of teachers, caliber of instruction and curriculum are to be nationally standardized for all primary and secondary schools.

In the Northeast, where the educational infrastructure in place is already shaky, many remain skeptical of the government's ability to realize RTE.

In response to this, the central government has outlined special provisions for Northeastern states in the act. Where the majority of states will split the cost of RTE with the Center nearly down the middle, the Center will cover 90 percent of implementation costs in the Northeast.  This heavy involvement will allow greater leverage in oversight.

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