Order on admissions puts schools, parents in a fix

By Our Staff Reporter

PONDICHERRY, JUNE 6. The government's directive to schools including private institutions in Pondicherry that not more than 50 students be admitted in a class to maintain a teacher-student ratio of 1:50 has put schools and parents in a fix.

The head of a leading school said the whole admission process had almost been completed and ``We have to turn away children for no fault of theirs.''

The government should have given sufficient time so that the schools could have planned in advance.

One could see parents making anxious enquiries and holding personal meetings with school authorities in a bid to get admission to their wards. With the desire on the part of parents to give education to their children coming to occupy priority in families, there would be much difficulty to the parents if the education department restricted admission. This should be relaxed and schools permitted to have 60 children in a class, it is argued.

Already, the Pondicherry chapter of the all India Students Union has brought to the notice of the authorities the difficulties caused by the order.

'Reduce book load'

The Pondicherry-based Women Employees Consortium of India has called for reducing the book load of children to make the school career a pleasant experience.

Ms. S. Leelavathi, secretary, told newspersons here today the consortium had come out with a plan to ensure that children carried only lightweight books.

The syllabus had been split under a bimonthly pattern for primary classes. The books would be split into five sections and the children would have to take only one book a day and the syllabus would be covered within the stipulated time.

For the high and higher secondary classes, the syllabus would be split and the students would have books in 10 sections.

Parents would also be able to know the syllabus covered in the schools. The consortium delegates would have discussions with the Education department, school authorities and parents. The consortium itself had prepared the books under the split syllabus pattern.

Ms. Leelavathi said it was sad to see small children carrying heavy bags of books and notebooks on their back, which caused a setback to the health of children. The play, games and extra- curricular activities should also be encouraged in schools.

The children, retained in class rooms for hours together without periodical exposure to games and other activities such as song and dance, were also living in fear.

Ms. Saraswathy Devi, honorary chairman of the consortium and other office-bearers, Ms. Ross and Ms. Ambujam, were also present.

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