Date:18/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/18/stories/2007101860120300.htm

Very informative

The feature on municipal schools that appeared in these columns on October 4 was elaborative and informative, besides portraying the real situation. I am associated with Vasavya Mahila Mandali, which is working with municipal and zilla parishad schools to arrest dropout of children.

I have observed that teachers are less in number, but the existing ones are willing to take up the challenge.

They just need the cooperation of parents and the local community.

Some schools have more playgrounds than private schools, but they are not being utilised properly.

A few municipal schools can be adopted by corporate educational institutions for technical support and assistance as part of their ‘corporate social responsibility’. But, posting of teachers should be the sole responsibility of the Government. Vitamin A syrup or tablets, Rubella vaccine and other basic medical aid should be provided, as these children are under-nourished and have vitamin deficiencies.

Deeksha Meher

Dermatologist