2 hrs ago
Proposed KVS Handover of NCERT Schools Sparks Autonomy Fears
NCERT runs four special schools that help test new teaching ideas.
These schools are on campuses in Bhopal, Ajmer, Bhubaneswar and Mysore.
The government is considering putting them under the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, or KVS.
Educationists worry NCERT might need KVS permission to try new lessons and teaching methods.
They also fear the schools could stop using a lottery for admissions.
KVS schools mainly serve children of central government employees.
The proposal would reportedly keep many costs with NCERT, even after the transfer.
Teachers and parents are unhappy, and the NCERT has not yet publicly responded to questions about the plan.
NCERT is examining a proposal to transfer four Demonstration Multipurpose schools to the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan.
The schools at RIE campuses in Bhopal, Ajmer, Bhubaneswar and Mysore test curricula and teaching methods.
Educationists fear the transfer could reduce NCERT’s autonomy over curriculum experiments and school decisions.
They also worry KVS admission policies could replace the schools’ lottery system and favor children of central government employees.
The proposal would reportedly leave NCERT responsible for salaries, pensions, infrastructure costs and 15% overhead payments to KVS.
- Who
- The National Council of Educational Research and Training, the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, the Union government, educationists, teachers and parents are involved.
- What
- NCERT is examining a proposal to hand over its four Demonstration Multipurpose schools to KVS.
- Where
- The schools are located at Regional Institutes of Education campuses in Bhopal, Ajmer, Bhubaneswar and Mysore.
- When
- An online NCERT meeting on the proposal was held on August 19; the year is not specified.
- Why
- The proposal would shift the schools’ administration to KVS, although the article does not specify the government’s stated rationale.
Autonomy and access concerns
Proposed administrative transfer
NCERT’s role
Autonomy and access concerns
Educationists say the schools must remain integrated with NCERT so it can independently test teaching methods and develop curricula.
Proposed administrative transfer
The proposal would place the schools under KVS administration while NCERT continues to fund major costs.
Admissions
Autonomy and access concerns
Critics support retaining the lottery system, which they say gives all candidates a fair chance.
Proposed administrative transfer
Critics fear KVS admission policies could apply after the transfer; KVS schools are primarily intended for children of central government employees.
School management
Autonomy and access concerns
Teachers and parents are concerned about the transfer and say there is no clarity on maintaining teachers’ seniority.
Proposed administrative transfer
The Union government has nudged NCERT to examine the handover proposal, but the article gives no detailed public explanation of its justification.
Key facts
- Schools involved
- Four Demonstration Multipurpose schools
- Locations
- Bhopal, Ajmer, Bhubaneswar and Mysore
- Role of schools
- They serve as laboratories for testing curricula and teaching methodologies.
- Current admissions
- Students are selected through a draw of lots.
- Proposed administrator
- Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan
- NCERT costs after transfer
- The proposal reportedly requires NCERT to continue paying salaries, pensions, land, buildings and infrastructure costs.
- Additional payment
- NCERT would reportedly pay KVS 15% of salary overhead charges.
Quotes
M.A. Khader
Former principal of the RIE Bhubaneswar
“There is no justification to hand over the DM schools to the KVS, which is already running over 1,200 schools of its own. The DM schools have established themselves as top-performing institutions. The government should rather open DM schools at the RIEs in Nellore and Shillong.”
telegraphindia.com
“If these schools are handed over to the KVS, the NCERT will lose its freedom and autonomy to carry out experiments of innovations. For its regular activities, the NCERT will need to seek permission from the KVS.”
telegraphindia.com
An RIE faculty member
Faculty member at an NCERT Regional Institute of Education
“The teachers of DM schools and the parents of children are unhappy with the proposal. There is no clarity on how the seniority of DM school teachers will be maintained if they are handed over to the KVS.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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