A recent report on the implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Act, 2009 has highlighted lapses in Karnataka’s education sector and a significantly lower budgetary allocation.
A recent report titled “Implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009: Where Do We Stand” released by the Right to Education Cell and the Council for Social Development, New Delhi has highlighted significant gaps.
Primary among them, the report highlights insufficient investment in education, teacher vacancies and closure of government schools as key concerns.
The report noted that while states allocate an average of 14.7% of their budgets to education, Karnataka’s budget for 2023-24 was a mere 11%
“For a State that considers itself among the socio-economically advanced States of the country, this under-investment is unfortunate,” the report states.
The report also raised concerns over the closure of government schools contrasted by the establishment of many private schools. The share of private school enrolments in Karnataka has risen in recent years, which coincides with an increased emphasis on rationalisation and the closure or merger of small, low-enrollment government schools.
The report indicates various recent measures including the introduction of board exams for grades 5 and 9 and establishing Karnataka Public Schools, contrary to the provisions of the RTE Act.
“Rather than enhancing the physical and academic infrastructure across all government schools, the State has focused on Karnataka Public Schools, a model that has proven inequitable and ineffective,” the report reads.
Other Highlights:
- Karnataka has 1,41,358 teacher vacancies.
- Only 68% of high schools have teachers for all core subjects
- 60% and 27% vacancies in State Council for Educational Research and Training and the District Institute of Education and Training academic positions
Also read: DMK government allocated ₹1,200 crore under RTE to schools: Udhayanidhi Stalin
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