Introduction: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has recently sent letters to all states in India emphasizing on uniformity in the syllabus of children in schools. The NCPCR has demanded compliance with the syllabus and evaluation process prescribed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in both government and private schools. This article discusses why the NCPCR is against state governments deciding what children should study and what not in schools.
NCPCR’s Letter to the States
The NCPCR Chief Priyank Kanungo has written a letter to the principal secretaries and secretaries of all states and union territories, stating that any attempt by the board to introduce its own syllabus, which is not in compliance with the state educational authority, NCERT, is a violation of law. The commission has demanded that instructions be issued to the schools for compliance and an action taken report be submitted to the NCPCR within 30 days. The letter also cited the National Curriculum Framework under the Right to Education Act 2009.
Why NCPCR is Against State Governments Deciding on Syllabus
The NCPCR believes that any attempt by the state governments to decide what children should read and what not in schools can lead to discrimination and harassment of children. It can also lead to mental and physical pain. The NCPCR has emphasized that no child should be discriminated against, harassed or neglected by the school for carrying the books prescribed and published by NCERT/SCERT. The commission has also warned that any step taken against the child can be dealt with under the provision of Juvenile Justice Act.
NCPCR’s Recommendations
The NCPCR has recommended that schools should be asked to display guidelines to this effect on the school’s website and notice board. The commission has also emphasized that such instructions issued by the state will be displayed on the website of their department.
FAQs: Q1. What is the NCPCR?
A1. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament in 2005.
Q2. What is the NCERT?
A2. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is an autonomous organization set up in 1961 by the Government of India to assist and advise the central and state governments on academic matters related to school education.
Q3. What is the SCERT?
A3. The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) is a state-level organization that assists and advises the state government on academic matters related to school education.
Conclusion: The NCPCR has emphasized on the uniformity in the syllabus of children in schools across all states in India. The commission has recommended that schools should follow the syllabus and evaluation process prescribed by NCERT and SCERT in both government and private schools. The NCPCR is against state governments deciding what children should study and what not in schools as it can lead to discrimination and harassment of children. The commission has also recommended that schools should display guidelines to this effect on the school’s website and notice board.
