Residential schools

SHILLONG, APRIL 10: The state government has sanctioned an initial amount of Rs 15 crore for the construction of 20 residential schools on the lines of Novadaya Vidyalaya even as it assured that the proposed amendments to the Right to Information (RTE) Act, 2009 will be in accordance with the aspirations of the institutions run by religious minorities.

Deputy chief minister R. C. Laloo in reply to a question informed the Assembly on Wednesday that 20 blocks have been identified for the setting up of the residential schools at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore each.  “Financial sanction amounting to Rs 15 crore has been received for the purpose,” he said.

Out of the 20 identified blocks three are in East Khasi Hills, three in West Khasi Hills,  five in Jaintia Hills, two each in West, East and South Garo Hills and 3 in Ri Bhoi district.

Replying to another query raised by HSPDP Nongkrem legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit on the threat by the Missionaries to close down all schools, the deputy CM said the state government was seeking ways and means to amend the rules of the RTE Act that would suit to the needs and requirements of the institutions run by religious minorities. ““We are actively engaged in getting the amendment to the rules of the RTE Act, 2009 in such a way that the desires and aspirations of the Mission schools will be taken care of,” he said.

Laloo admitted that the Missionaries have threatened to close down all their schools if RTE fails to address their concern regarding the composition of the school managing committees, but added that the Centre has been kind enough to amend Section 21 of the Act, which deals with the constitution of the managing committees, and made it clear that the functioning of the managing committees will be advisory in nature in case of minority schools.

The much-awaited education policy, he said, has been revised to incorporate certain provisions of the RTE Act, 2009. “The policy in its final stage (of completion),” he added.

Laloo also informed that an amount of Rs 6.30 crore has been sanctioned by the Ministry of Finance during 2012 –13 for the construction of seven hostels for rural students in the state.“The balance amount required will be made from the provision of the state budget,” he said, adding that the seven proposed hostels will be set up in the seven old districts of the state. (By Our Reporter)