54,500 Students Annually Getting Textbooks, Uniforms in Sikkim
54,500 students have been availing free text books, uniforms and other items annually in Sikkim claims the Human Resource and Development Department (HRDD). Procurement of all these items is to the tune of 10% more than the enrolment figures to meet the enrolment in between the session also. The HRDD Secretary, during a press meet today informing about the same notified that all the uniform items have been supplied to students from class 1-8. Some Principals and Headmasters have lifted their stock after the directions of High Court, to complete it by 31st July 2012 in a PIL and the completion reports have been received, he added. It may be mentioned here that the HRDD, Government of Sikkim, has been supplying text books and uniforms free of cost to students much before the Right to Education (RTE) was implemented in the State. Also after the implementation of RTE from 2010, students desiring to get admitted to different Schools at any time of the year cannot be denied entry. This sometimes leads to possibility of shortage of text books and other required items; however, the Department has planned for advance during such cases.
Further, he said that in case of any defects the Principals have been asked to get the items exchanged. If any of the uniform material is not good, then they are foremostly instructed not to receive it, however if there is any issue with the quality, then the supplier is under commitment to exchange it. He also informed that all the suppliers are liable to provide the items within 60 days of the issue order, incase they fail to do so the Department will be deducting 0.01% everyday from their due payment.
The Secretary also appreciated the High Court and the concerned officials for constantly monitoring the text books, uniform and other supply items to students, which he described as the collective responsibility. Likewise, Rao mentioned that the Department obtains text books from NCERT and CBSC on 20% concession for further supplying it free of cost. The content has been changed this time keeping in view the need of the time. For classes 9 and above, 50% concession is being given on text books, whereas the lower classes text books are 100% free.
Lastly, Rao informed that the State Government incurs expenditure of Rs1019/- per student every year in providing text books, uniforms, shoes, rain coat and other essential items.
source: North East Today
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