Bring school dropouts back to mainstream, says KSCPCR member

Member of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Children Rights Shashidhar Kosumbe addressing a review meeting in Yadgir on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Expressing serious concern over officials not reaching government facilities to students, member of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Children Rights (KSCPCR) Shashidhar Kosumbe has said that officers should put in more efforts into bringing back school dropouts to the mainstream.

He was addressing a review meeting on Free and Compulsory Education Rights Act 2009 in Yadgir on Thursday.

Mr. Kosumbe said that the officers of Education Department have ample responsibility in getting dropouts back to schools.

“The Education Department Commissioner has directed the conduct of validation of Aadhaar cards of 54,481 children within a week. However, officers have done nothing so far. The commission, which has an aim to extend education benefits and scholarships to ensure that all benefits reach students, has taken it seriously. Thus, the validation work should be completed expeditiously,” he said.

Mr. Kosumbe also suggested that problems in supplying and serving mid-day meals to students should be resolved. “If there are any lapses, suo motu cases will be registered against those responsible for it and this will impact the service records of errant officers,” he added.

He said that getting police verification done is mandatory while appointing guest teachers. An eligible candidate, who is going to teach lessons to students as a teacher, should come without any criminal background, he added.

“Teachers play a crucial role in shaping students educational careers. Therefore, officers concerned in the department should take additional precautions while appointing guest teachers,” he said.

Deputy Director of Public Instructions Channabasappa Mudhol said that officers and staff should submit reports based on facts to the Commission.