0

Bangalore: An elite school in Bangalore has landed in controversy for saying the Right to Education Act which reserves 25 per cent seats in schools for underprivileged children will compromise discipline and the quality of education.

The circular by Bethany High School in Bangalore on July 26 has created a huge uproar as it warns parents that once the Right To Education Act is implemented, there could be a drastic effect on discipline and quality of education.

The circular says: "Under the RTE schools will have to accommodate 25 per cent of their strength from around the neighbourhood without screening. Not only that, the school cannot even expel them or give them a TC if they cause problems. Once this act is enforced another child could beat up your child, smoke on the campus, misbehave with a girl or a teacher, and the school will have to watch helplessly."

The shocking statement has triggered protests from various groups.

"We are protesting here because they are telling that by admitting poor children, other kids will be spoilt by learning smoking. How can they do his?" says Vidharthi Janata Dal (S) President TR Thulsiram.

The school authorities though insist they are not being discriminatory.

"The objective of the circular was only to communicate to the parents. OK there is a bill called Right to Education and these are some of the provisions and if you have any suggestions or comments, you can please convey to the government on their website before 30th July. That was the primary intention of the circular, but if it has been misinterpreted and if anyone has been hurt by this then we would like to apologise," says Bethany High School spokesperson Natarajan R.

But not everyone is convinced by the apology. Many say the circular clearly shows the school is elitist and is trying to resist government control over admissions, by trying to influence parents.

On the other hand, it's also a fact that many private schools are unhappy with provisions in RTE and this incident could be just an indicator of the resistance the Act is likely to encounter.

More on: Right to Education, Bangalore, Bethany High School