State needs to gear up for implementation of Right to Education
Eminent speakers such as Dr. Arun K. Rath, former Secretary School Education and Literacy, Dr. Binod Raina, well known Educationist, Mrs. Vandana Jena, Secretary School and Mass Education, Gove
rnment of Orissa, Sri Nikunja Bihari Dhal, State Project Director of Sarva Sikhsa Abhiyan and Mr. Shadrack Omol, State Representative of UNICEF Office Orissa spoke about the need for the state to gear up for the implementation of the upcoming Right to Education Bill 2008 pending in Rajyasabha. They were speaking on the occasion of a two day state level consultation on the subject being organised by UNICEF and Human Development Foundation (HDF). The workshop was inaugurated by the honourable minister for Higher Education, Culture and Tourism Mr. Debiprasad Mishra. Mr. Mishra addressed the gathering wishing it well and promising the support of the government for the implementation of the Right to Education.
The Right to Education Bill pending in Rajyasabha after approval by the previous union cabinet is likely to become an act soon. A long process that involved moving the right to free and compulsory elementary education for all children between 6 to 14 years from Directive Principles of State policy to a constitutional provision. The workshop is discussing the provisions of the proposed bill and examining the preparedness of the state by involving key stake holders such as the Government, the civil society and the teacher unions among others.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Arun Kumar Rath, who played a key role in the drafting of the bill and steering the same through various committees and forums to bring it ultimately to the Parliament, highlighted the salient features of the 
proposed legislation – thereby setting the agenda. Mrs. Bandana Kumari Jena in her address highlighted the difficulties and challenges faced by the state in achieving the goal of Universal Elementary Education in spite of the substantial progress made by Sarva Sikhsa Abhiyan. The issues Multi-lingual education fore the tribal children, gender disparity, multi-grade classrooms, out of school children and regional disparity were discussed in light of the proposed act. Mr. Shadrack Omol – the State Representative of UNICEF discussed the internationally accepted UN framework for education based on the 4As – Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability and Adaptability, He appealed for close collaboration between government and non-government stakeholders for successful implementation of the Act.
Dr. Binod Raina – a nationally renowned educationist and key member of the drafting committee made a passionate presentation on the dismal scenario of education in the country after 60 years of independence and recounted the history of the movement to make elementary education a fundamental right. He also highlighted the key principles on basis of which the bill has been framed which set a very high standards that can set right much of the critical problems plaguing education if the bill is implemented as intended.
In the second session was presided by Dr. Sevak Tripathy, Director of State Council Education, Research and Training with Dr. Binod Raina leading a discussion on the gaps that exist in the education system that's likely create challenges for effective implementation of the provisions of the act. Mr. Dhiren K. Ray, Executive Director of Human Development Foundation and Amrita Sengupta of UNICEF moderated the discussions.
The newly appointed Minister of School and Mass Education, Mr. Pratap Jena is expected to grace the concluding session of the workshop tomorrow.
A large number of senior government officials, representatives of civil society organisations, representatives of Teachers Unions etc. and educationists attended the deliberations.
