Says 15-member advisory panel will consist of educationists
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday announced the formation of the education advisory council to advise the government on the incendiary unresolved medium of instruction (MoI) issue by July 10.
A 15-member council headed by Education Minister will recommend to the government its line of action on MoI within three months of its formation, Parrikar told media persons at Secretariat in Porvorim Monday.
Parrikar, who is also Education Minister, said that the council would be constituted as per section 34 of the Right to Education Act (RTE) and will consist of educationists.
“Once the MoI issue is settled, the council will also look into the effective implementation of RTE Act and other education related issues,” he said.
It’s been almost two years now since the announcement of Advisory Council was made by the Digambar Kamat-led government. The MoI issue had been simmering in the state since 2011 after RTE Act directed that Class V be brought under the primary section. The issue saw a massive protest and opposition after erstwhile Congress government announced grants to aided schools. Congress had provided grants to 137 English schools, but this is still being continued by the BJP-led government.
After the Congress announcement, Marathi and Konkani protagonists took to the street. The issue was partially responsible for the Congress rout during March 2012 Assembly polls. Chief Minister while presenting the Budget 2013-14 had promised formation of advisory council to resolve MoI issue.
RTE requires that a 15-member state advisory council be formed ‘from amongst persons having knowledge and practical experience in the field of elementary education and child development’.
“The functions of the advisory council shall be to advise the state government on implementation of the provisions of the Act in an effective manner,” states the Act. Members of the advisory council will hold office for a two-year term.
