The first meeting of Manthan, a forum of principals of schools in the South zone (A to G wards) and the Education Department, saw a lively discussion on issues concerning schools, starting from the Fifth Pay Commission to computer education. With School Education Secretary Rameshchandra Kanade and Deputy Director of Education D C Deshmukh as guests of the function, principals found a chance to air their grievances and ask for solutions.

Manthan, a brain child of South Zone Education Inspector Basanti Roy, has been set up to ensure that various government policies and programmes can be implemented effectively. ``A core group of principals will meet every month, exchange ideas, and discuss thedifficulties faced in implementing various government rules,'' said Freny Mehta, secretary of the organisation. The core group will in turn hold meetings with principals in each ward.

Manthan is meant to improve professional skills and leadership qualities in the heads of institutions. Circulars would be interpreted for principals, and proposed modifications in various policies submitted to the government. Moreover, there are plans to give special training to toppers in various schools for the SSC examination.

Education officers will be present at these meetings, where court judgements will also be discussed. ``Weak schools will be provided support, and good teachers from other schools can visit these as well as organise workshops,'' Freny explained. Further, resource people from other fields will be invited to hold talks, as also to discuss trends in education. Manthan will also function as a data resource bank and facilitate the availability of various kinds of information, circulars and referencematerial. Around 270 schools in the South Zone will benefit due to this.

At each meeting, plans will be made for various activities at ward and zonal levels and responsibilities assigned to various members. Presentations will also be made on various topics like PTAs, Information Technology and school development through community support, among other things.

Not only that, Manthan's performance itself is going to be under scrutiny. After three-four sessions, its effectiveness will be evaluated by a questionnaire given to all principals.

Today's meeting, held at St Columba School, Gamdevi, saw a discussion on problems cropping up due to two-three members from PTA blocking any `innovative' idea; but government officials were clear that the entire PTA has to be convinced. Difficulties cropping up with the rule that computer education should be free were also discussed.

Kanade, in his speech, said a group of principals should make suggestions in this regard and propose a method which would also bebeneficial for students and parents. Further, more than being just a platform for airing grievances, the forum should come up with better alternatives for various problems, he added.