ACHDO raises question on capitation fees, screening process in plain belt schools

Newmai News Network
Shillong, Feb 5: The Anti Corruption and Human Development Organization (ACHDO) has submitted a complaint to the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills district, Ram Singh on Wednesday against the process of screening and also charging of capitation fees for school going children in the many government and ad hoc schools in the plain belt of West Garo Hills district in Meghalaya.
According to the Anti Corruption and Human Development Organization, interviews to Class VI were held in many government schools, including Rajabala Higher Secondary, Bhaitbari Higher Secondary School, JN Higher Secondary School, Jana Priya Higher Secondary School.
These interviews were either verbal or written and many students failed in the process.
“Taking any kind of interview seems to be in violation of the right of children to free and compulsory education. RTE clearly mentions that every child of the age between 6 and 14 shall have a right to free and compulsory education in a neighborhood school till the completion of elementary education and further education in the same neighbourhood school. However, students have been excluded in the name of interviews,” said ACHDO president, Israhful Hoque.
The Anti Corruption and Human Development Organization has also sought an inquiry on why an interview process was held while pointing out that excluded students could leave studies over being rejected.
“They are mostly poor and cannot afford private tuition. The matter should be solved and these students given admission,” he added.
The Anti Corruption and Human Development Organization pointed to another breach under RTE after admission fees were allegedly taken by the schools.
“It has been mentioned that no school or person shall, while admitting a child, collect any capitation fee and subject the child or his or her parents or guardian to any screening procedure,” said the Anti Corruption and Human Development Organization quoting the RTE.
The ACHDO alleged that most schools are in contravention of the RTE Act and has asked the DC to act on the matter and form a vigilance committee to look into any anomalies.
“Schools should be made aware of the RTE, so that no student is left without an education,” Hoque added.