School bandh today, IESA call gets rival group's support
TNN | Feb 25, 2019, 10:58 IST
Representational Image NAGPUR: The statewide school bandh protest for Monday being spearheaded by Independent English Schools Association (IESA) has now got more teeth with their main rival group also declaring support.
In a rather unexpected move, Maharashtra English Schools Trustees Association (MESTA) has decided to support the February 25 strike for the 'greater good'. was the first to report on January 30 itself about IESA's school bandh plan over issues like pending RTE payments among others. The strike will not affect HSC exams at all, as IESA has kept all junior colleges out of the protest.
The big brands and multi-branch schools, especially from CBSE, won't be taking part because they aren't members of the IESA. Similarly, all private aided schools too are out of the protest, as IESA is for unaided schools.
With IESA claiming support of almost 100 schools in and around the city, and MESTA too hoping to chip in with a similar number, the strike will try to make its point to the government. However, from a realistic point of view, it seems that anywhere between 40 to 60 schools in Nagpur will remain closed.
Khemraj Kondhe, divisional head of MESTA, said, "We have decided to put aside our differences and support IESA for this good cause. Ultimately, the school protest is about the future of schools and students." The earlier animosity between both the groups was a result of their origin. IESA was formed after many members broke away from MESTA over differences of opinion. Since then, IESA has been actively pursuing its agenda including going to court multiple times for its members.
IESA's executive committee has been touring the state from last month and soliciting support from both members and non-members. Nana Satpute, vice-president of IESA, said, "I toured 29 districts in the last one month alone and we have got good support from all. I think people understand the need for all small independent schools coming together and making a united stand before the government."
Rajendra Dayma, president of IESA, said the government has been very autocratic in its behaviour till now. "They keep changing the rules anytime they want. We all started providing RTE admissions in good faith, but the state has to follow up with fee reimbursements. The payment is very erratic with some schools getting almost everything, and some not getting anything," said Dayma, who finished his 29 district tour to garner support for bandh on Saturday.
IESA says apart from RTE reimbursements, the schools are also protesting so that government should implement a School Safety Act which will protect school property and staff. "Also, principal must not be held responsible for anything that happens outside the school. If a school bus meets with an accident, why should principal be arrested?" said Dayma.
In a rather unexpected move, Maharashtra English Schools Trustees Association (MESTA) has decided to support the February 25 strike for the 'greater good'. was the first to report on January 30 itself about IESA's school bandh plan over issues like pending RTE payments among others. The strike will not affect HSC exams at all, as IESA has kept all junior colleges out of the protest.
The big brands and multi-branch schools, especially from CBSE, won't be taking part because they aren't members of the IESA. Similarly, all private aided schools too are out of the protest, as IESA is for unaided schools.
Khemraj Kondhe, divisional head of MESTA, said, "We have decided to put aside our differences and support IESA for this good cause. Ultimately, the school protest is about the future of schools and students." The earlier animosity between both the groups was a result of their origin. IESA was formed after many members broke away from MESTA over differences of opinion. Since then, IESA has been actively pursuing its agenda including going to court multiple times for its members.
IESA's executive committee has been touring the state from last month and soliciting support from both members and non-members. Nana Satpute, vice-president of IESA, said, "I toured 29 districts in the last one month alone and we have got good support from all. I think people understand the need for all small independent schools coming together and making a united stand before the government."
Rajendra Dayma, president of IESA, said the government has been very autocratic in its behaviour till now. "They keep changing the rules anytime they want. We all started providing RTE admissions in good faith, but the state has to follow up with fee reimbursements. The payment is very erratic with some schools getting almost everything, and some not getting anything," said Dayma, who finished his 29 district tour to garner support for bandh on Saturday.
IESA says apart from RTE reimbursements, the schools are also protesting so that government should implement a School Safety Act which will protect school property and staff. "Also, principal must not be held responsible for anything that happens outside the school. If a school bus meets with an accident, why should principal be arrested?" said Dayma.
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