RTE rules in Haryana take no chances,define textbooks,uniform,school bag

According to rules,which are yet to be notified,“Textbooks means textbooks,supplementary reader and workbooks or any other reading material as prescribed by the appropriate authority. Writing material means notebooks,exercise books,pen,pencils,colour box,eraser or any other material prescribed by the appropriate authority.”

The rules say: “School bag means a bag that can carry all the reading and writing material sufficiently.”

While the uniform for boys in primary and middle level school includes shirt,trouser,socks,belt,shoes with laces,necktie,full-sleeve jersey (only in winters),that for girls will include salwar kameej,dupatta (or shirt and skirt),belt,socks,shoes,woollen jersey (in winters).

An officer in the education department said: “There was a chance that a school would offer inadequate cloth for school uniform. Now,with the clear definition,we have safeguarded the children.”

In the absence of a State Commission for Protection of Child Rights in the state,a Right to Education Protection Authority (REPA) will be set up with two members and a chairperson. “A child helpline will also be set up and accessible by SMS,telephone and letters,which will act as a forum for aggrieved child/guardian to register complaint regarding violation of rights under the Act,in a manner that records identity but does not disclose it,” say the rules.

Hindi will be the preferred medium of instruction in all schools. However,say the rules,the institution will be at liberty to adopt any other medium of instruction under intimation to the appropriate authority.

Wherever a birth certificate under the Births,Deaths and Marriages Certification Act 1886 is not available,the rules say,the hospital or aanganwadi record,or even declaration of age by parent or guardian,will be valid.

In case of withdrawal of recognition of schools,the district elementary education officer may form a standing committee comprising two government representatives — one from civil society and the other an one educationist — and one member from the media.

Under the grievance redressal mechanism for teachers,there will be school tribunals at the state and district levels after the School Management Committee.

The provisions in these Rules/Act will supersede all notifications of the state government in case those are in contradiction to the Haryana State Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules and the Right to Education Act,2009.