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Summary: The memorandum included the demand for more budgetary allocation for basic education, proper facilities to madrassas, child health, proper sanitation and water supply in schools.
[VARANASI, 21 February 2011] - A number of children assembled at the district headquarters on Monday under the banner of Baal Adhikar Manch and Human Welfare Association and demanded an increase of 8% in the Union Budget for primary education. Their other demands included more schools in Muslim localities, recognition of madrassas, 25% reservation for poor children in private schools and child rights. Addressing the crowd, HWA director Rajni Kant said it was unfortunate that despite the enforcement of Right to Education Act since April 2010, around seven crore children were still deprived of primary education in the country. "Children belonging to Muslim, dalit and tribal communities constitute a significant portion of the deprived lot," he said and added the condition of girl education was even more pathetic. He said though the government collected cess in the name of education, no positive steps were taken for better facilities, including sanitation and water, in primary schools. In UP, there were shortage of around two lakh primary teachers, he said and added step-motherly treatment was being given to madrassas. The Muslim-dominated areas of Varanasi (with 22% Muslim population) do not have primary schools as per the norms. A memorandum addressed to the finance minister and HRD minister and signed by the children was submitted to the district administration. The memorandum included demand for more budgetary allocation for basic education, proper facilities to madrassas, child health, proper sanitation and water supply in schools, strict enforcement of RET Act and vocational education.
Further Information:
- More information and news on children and education
- CRIN editorial on civil and political rights in schools [July 2010]
- More on children's rights in India
pdf: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/Kids-demand-greater-sha...