Minorities Will Benefit From Right to Education Act, Says Priest

AMBIKAPUR, Chhattisgarh, Apr. 26, 2010, 10:00 Hrs (SAR News):

Diocese Education Department, Ambikapur, organised a one-day workshop at the Bishop's House here April 21 for all the managers, principals, headmasters of schools and colleges run by Ambikapur Diocese.

About 100 people, including 60 nuns and 40 Brothers and priests involved in educational works, participated.

Father Anthony Samy, Secretary, PRO, Archdiocese of Raipur, and general secretary CGCBCI, was the main resource person.

Speaking on the Right to Education, Samy highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of the Minority Education Act 2009. Praising the Right to Education Policy, Father Samy said the majority of the minority groups will get maximum benefit if the government was serious and honest about the implementation of the policy.

Highlighting some loopholes of the Minority Education Act, he cautioned the participants of its repercussions.

He advised the audience to acquaint themselves thoroughly with documents on the Minority Education Act and the Right to Education. Minority Schools have already reacted against some clauses of the Minority Education Act which are seemingly not in favour of the minority communities in Chhattisgarh.

Some policies drawn in sections like passing the weaker students to higher classes, fee structure, school management committee, school development plan, to mention a few, are some of the policies not agreeable to the minority educational institutions, he said.

The minority institutions will draw the attention of the Education Ministry, Government of India, to such drawbacks.

"If the Education Ministry does not amend the policy in favour of the minority communities, we will go to the Supreme court," Father Samy said.