The proposed Education Act

Under the light of the national Education Policy 2010, the draft of the country’s first Education Act 2013 has been readied. Many believe that the act would come handy in controlling and elimination the different types of indiscipline and irregularities in the sector. The mass public is not very happy about the way this service sector has been commercialised.

This proposed law is being welcomes by all, although they believe that even though the education ministry had previously announced some of the clauses of the draft policy in action, if has failed to implement it properly. However, it can be said that something is better than nothing. It is being hoped that once this draft is turned into a law, problems in the sector will gradually ease up.

Therefore, the respective authorities deserve an applause for such an initiative. The 25-page Education Act draft consists of 65 clauses. Even though most agree with the most clauses of the draft, there have been many objections from the education sector representatives on some vital clauses. Apart from that, both government and private teachers have united against these clauses now raises doubt on whether the draft will be passed as a law without dropping or amending the respective clause.

The clauses in question emphasize on teacher’s punishment, closure of coaching business and tuition fees for schools as set by the government. The draft law proposes jail or punishment for teachers for using corporal punishment on students of any educational institution. Guardians have mixed views on this issue. Many believe that punishment from a teacher is essential to make children disciplined, but do not believe that teachers should cross their line in punishment.

At the same time, without giving teachers the scope of a minimum wage rate and self-evaluation, putting a clause for wage cut through a summary trial for punishing teachers is also not acceptable. We also have problems with such clauses that are conflicting with the status and rights of teachers as of 1966 and 1997 UNESCO-ILO Guidelines. Another clause of the draft law, . Clause 23(3) suggests that all educational institutes, including English medium schools, will have to approve their tuition and other fees from the government or a respective authority.

There is also a clause for a jail term for any irregularity in this regard. There should not be any reason to object this clause. Effective and logical measures are needed to check the irregularities and indiscipline in this sector. The draft also plans to eradicate coaching and private tuition business in the country. This can only happen after ensuring a proper and logical pay scale for teachers. It has to be kept in mind that for a section of immoral teachers, the reputation and the respect of the entire profession is now being eaten up