A workshop on formulation of rules and regulations with regard to long awaited implementation of Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009, organised by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Jammu and Kashmir, concluded here today.Former Director, School Education Kashmir, Mohammad Rafi, Principal Degree College, Pampore, Professor Seema Naz, Assistant Director Academics, Dr Arif Jan, Principal DIET Beerwah, Mushtaq Ahmad Qadri, Principal DIET Kupwara, Javed Iqbal, Principal DIET Kulgam, M Y Bhat, Senior Law Officer, Directorate of School Education Kashmir, Rifat Qadri and Co-ordinator Samagra Shikhsha, Syed Fayaz were among a galaxy of experts that took part in the workshop.
According to Director SCERT, Profesor Veena Pandita, the workshop was conducted after the School Education Department entrusted the responsibility of holding a consultative meet of experts to deliberate on various provisions of the Act so that rules and regulations could be formulated to facilitate the successful implementation of the Act in Jammu and Kashmir.Pertinently, the RTE Act, 2009 has been extended to the UT of J&K under the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 which focuses on compulsory and free education to all children up to the age of 14.“The implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act is mandatorily required in the UT of J&K at the earliest in the best interest of the children at par with other states/UTs,” Prof Pandita maintained.One of the experts described the workshop as a “watershed” moment to bring elementary schools under the ambit of RTE Act. “This will go a long way in laying a strong foundation for an equitable society by involving children from the economically-challenged backgrounds,” lecturer Sheikh Gulzar Ahmad asserted.“The recommendation and the suggestions put forth in the event would be compiled and shaped into a comprehensive document,” the coordinator of the workshop, G H Reshi, said.