A study reveals no one is concerned about PTMs in Delhi's MCD schools
A study reveals no one is concerned about PTMs in Delhi's MCD schools
In a recent study conducted by the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) regarding awareness about parents-teachers meeting (PTM) in various MCD schools in the Capital, dismal findings came to the fore. It seems most schools do not even recognise the PTMs as a compulsory directive under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.u00a0u00a0 
Representative pic
According to the March 2011 study conducted by the commission's Indian Adult Education Association (IAEA), parents, generally belonging to the lower strata of the society, are neither aware nor have time to bother about their children's ongoing schooling.u00a0u00a0
"In many cases, both parents go for work during day time and their participation in the meetings is irregular. It was, however, reported that they come to school without fail whenever uniform, free books and cash awards are being distributed," said the coordinator.
He added that not only parents, the school authorities themselves are unaware of the importance of PTMs as integral part of the education scheme. Some schools claimed they have constituted Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) but failed to show any records.
Meanwhile, the study revealed that these schools were also ignorant of the circulars issued by the MCD regarding PTAs or PTMs. It is important to note that the Guidelines for Constitution of Parent Teacher Associations in Aided/Unaided Schools were already issued by the Directorate of Education (Act Branch), Government of NCT of Delhi in April 2010 and none of the schools were found to have copies of this circular.
The other side
Mahendra Nagpal, chairman, education committee, MCD, however, said, "I agree some schools might be at fault. Yet, there is certainly more awareness about the parents-teachers meetings than before. Many parents are uneducated or labourers and it is a difficult task to convince them about the issue. But we are trying our best and will look into the matter."
ADVERTISEMENT
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
