-Reshma Ravishanker

Rather than cracking a whip on private schools over fee collection, the Karnataka state government must focus on improving the condition of government-run schools in the state, said Atishi Marlena, Delhi Aam Admi Party (AAP) MLA and former advisor to the education minister.

She spoke at ‘EDU Status’ a state level symposium organized by the Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka on Tuesday.

Atishi who spoke about the transformation of government schools in Delhi by the AAP said that should the government schools be upto the mark, parents will be given a fair choice for opting between private and government schools.

“Currently the condition of government schools is such that despite having little or no income, parents are willing to send children to private schools. This should be reversed. Rather than focusing on laying regulations for private schools, government must focus on upgrading government schools,” she said “now that government schools are unable to fulfill the  requirements, private schools are taking it up. Government has a problem with that too.”

Meanwhile, private schools in Karnataka, through the symposium have put forth some demands before the state. In a memorandum, the association has asked for better representation of private players and easing recognition renewal procedures.

Among the demands, KAMS has sought:

• Constitution of SSSA by providing representation to State Level Stakeholders.
• Action against unauthorised CBSE-ICSE and Unregistered Chain of Nursery Schools
• Liberal exams statewide 5 and 8 standard common assessment for 2023-24 due to sudden implementation.
• Increase RTE reimbursement.
• Renewal of recognition to be done considering the orders of Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka with respect to Fire safety-PWD-Land Conversions.
• One year Renewal of Recognition to be converted to 5 years wherever undertaking has been made with respect to Fire Safety and PWD NOC considering minimum compliance with respect to safety by old existing schools commenced on or before 2017-18.

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