“Why are children still begging in trains and not attending school?” This question posed by a student during the one-on-one interaction between School and Mass Education Department Commissioner Usha Padhee and students participating in ‘Suravi-2012’ on Thursday left the officer scouting for answers.
Though Padhee replied that the School Development Committees present in almost every school ensured that the children in their vicinity attended schools regularly, the reality was laid bare by this one question. What was the education system of the State doing for its students?
Sitting amidst around 300 students from various schools of the State, Padhee was accompanied by OPEPA State Project Director Krushna Gopal Mohapatra. “The average age of population in the country is below 35 and it is very important to use this demographic dividend in our favour,” explained Padhee to the students gathered around her.
Another question was that the numerous special schemes initiated by the State Government for either girl students or reserved category students leaves the general caste students demoralised. To this Padhee explained that caste related discrimination entrenched in major parts of rural regions and how important it was to elevate the specific children victimised by such discrimination by giving them additional opportunities.
Another point that she touched upon was the removal of ‘pass and fail’ system from the classes I to VII examinations. “Removing the aspect does not mean that a student should pay less attention to their academics. It just means that a student gets eight years to work on their weakness, learn more and develop accordingly,” concluded Padhee.