By M.C. Linthoingambee
The Right to Education might have earlier existed intrinsically under the provisions of Right to Life but it bears a strong holding with its express mention in Article 21A of the Constitution of India, that has provided for the right to basic education for children from the years 6 to 14 totally free of cost at any Government School. Predominantly, our society is developing yet is filled with people suffering from poverty where they believe that sending their kids to school would only take away the day’s income that can be earned by that one kid. The Government approach is yet to find effective implementation with kids showing up for the cause of receiving a mid-day meal. In the similar segment, the funds intended for such purposes are not often used in the manner it is meant for and go into the pockets of some money minded genius. We have seen a situation where more than half of a school’s population suffered from the poor standard of food provided in these so called mid-day meals. Even then there are several other factors that add on to the casual problems that already exist. There are no numbered statistics to the number of public or private schools that strongly excel in the cause of providing education. If we look behind the landscape, several public schools continue to generate funds and some are not provided with sufficient funds and in the process, the teachers also fail to come up with the required enthusiasm to teach their students. It can be said that monetary valuation covers our will of sacrifice and there are only a handful number that actually dedicate their lives to imparting their students with the right standard of knowledge.
The absence of extra-curricular activities in schools provides a lax machinery and non-employment to the physical education teachers and several other scholars engaged in their personalized fields. Seeing that our state has produced the largest number of award winning sportsmen ranging from athletes, boxers, wrestlers, weight lifters, etc. the talents are never too away yet overlooked. There is specific dichotomy to provide that the idea of extra–curricular extend under the clause of Right to Education yet, they are believed to take effect in a more intrinsic manner. Knowledge is believed to be one of the greatest assets in our possession that can’t be taken away where money cannot often value them. But the displeasure of having to risk the yearning of being literate is very often put on hold. The situation is clear: we are a set of hot headed task force that compels our children to lose out on the value of education. Manipur being a state currently attached with the dilemma of bandhs, strikes, curfews, etc almost too frequently causing a major setback on its string line of youths. There were situations in 2009 when I was in the 12th Grade when I had to sit back at home with nothing to do for almost two months, considering the stringent policies during the times of curfew. A similar situation prevails today.
When we look into developments elsewhere, revolutions and protests have bought about major changes. But can we justify that with making students engage in the act of dharna for a ‘common cause’ whatever that may be? These are violations of our free will to engage in our own decisions. In spite of the inferences, educational institutions should be left unaffected for the greater good since our youths are to become the pillars of tomorrow.
With literacy rate increasing and spiraling upwards, why do we fail to look at the downfall of our actions? Relieving to the measure of implementing system of the Inner Line Permit is unconstitutional and further additions to the turmoil can only lead to the future generations being banned from getting educated. When we so often contend of the issue of racism being criticized beyond the state borders, is it even rational on our part to put these certain system in effect? Students studying beyond the territorial jurisdiction of the state might become victims of the similar effect and in this result it is easier to reach an agreement rather than to let the situation precede which can only lead to cutting down on the day’s education capacity. Will there ever be days where we don’t have to go through protests, bandhs, etc? Will there be days when we are just being children? The significant design is yet to prosper or differ and we still continue to ban education on our children.