RTE Act: Lida Jacob Commission submits report

The Lida Jacob Commission, appointed by the State government to recommend implementation of the Right to Education Act in the State, has suggested an increase in working days for classes VI to VIII and reduction in holidays.

The report suggesting certain changes to the draft Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Kerala Rules 2010 was handed over by Ms. Jacob to Education Minister M.A. Baby here.

The Commission recommends that summer holidays in schools be reduced to 45 days to comply with the stipulation of working days in the Central Act. Besides, schools would have to function on certain Saturdays. The Central Act mandates 200 working days a year for classes I to V and 220 days for classes VI to VIII.

Children are to be admitted to the first standard at the age of six or above. However, to prevent fall of pupil in the first standard next year, the Commission has suggested that pupil between 5 and 6 years of age may be admitted to pre-primary classes to be set up in all government and aided schools. A child-friendly textbook should be prepared for teaching in those classes.

The Commission also recommends that good anganwadis and pre-primary schools be combined and qualified teachers appointed to teach the children. Anganwadi workers with the requisite training could be given priority.