An Open Letter from a 7th Grader to Telangana’s CM Requesting Him to Implement the RTE Act

Nasreen Begum, a young girl studying in Class 7 in Hyderabad, tells us why Section 12 (1) C of the RTE Act needs to be implemented in Telangana as soon as possible.

In 2009, the Indian Parliament passed the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act to ensure that children from economically weak sections (EWS) of society attend school regularly. According to Section 12 (1) C of the Act, 25% of the seats in all private unaided schools should be reserved for children belonging to EWS and other disadvantaged sections. The cost of education borne by a school for teaching these children is reimbursed by the government.

It was only a few months ago that Nasreen, a student of Class 7 in Aga Khan Academy, Hyderabad, came to know that this Act is yet to implemented across private schools in Telangana. On realising that it can be beneficial for children from underprivileged families, she decided to do something about the delay in implementation. “A few days ago I wrote letters and emails to our Chief Minister, K. Chandrashekar Rao sir and also to Kadiyam Srihari sir (Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister of Telangana) to implement this section of the RTE Act in our state as soon as possible. I did not get any reply from them and I am still waiting for their replies,”she says.

Here is a look at her letter:

Respected CM sir ,

My name is Nasreen Begum. I am a student of grade 7A studying in Aga Khan Academy, Hyderabad.

A few weeks back I came to know about the RTE Act 12 ( 1 ) C. I was very impressed by how the government is doing so much to support children’s education. But my happiness was short-lived when I researched about it on the internet and realised that our state is yet to implement the RTE Act 12 ( 1 ) C . Many people from poor families do not even know about it and how to apply for admission with RTE Act help .

I fully understand the impact this Act can make for all the children belonging to low-income families since I too belong to such a family which is struggling to pay the high amount of fee in private school. Due to high fee in private schools most children drop out from schools. Government schools are there but just because we are poor we should not be forced to go there only. I think children should have the right to choose the school they want to study in. Starting RTE Act in Telangana will help such children a lot. Also I think that our society is divided into 2 parts — rich and poor. From whatever I learnt about RTE Act, I believe that this gap should be erased. When RTE Act is implemented, kids from both rich and poor families can study in same class which will help them understand each other better. When they understand each other’s problems they will try to find a solution to make a better nation for all the people in the future.

I request you to please consider my request and implement the RTE Act 12 ( 1 ) C as soon as possible so that all the children can benefit from it. Please consider this as a request of all the children of Telangana.

Hope to hear a positive response from you soon.

With regards,
Nasreen Begum
7A, The Aga Khan Academy – Hyderabad.

Such legislations can improve the quality and efficiency of the education system in the state. They also allow for children from different socio-economic backgrounds to interact in a way that they are unhindered by barriers of class and caste.

“Though the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan is a very good plan from the government, it is limited to only government schools across India. It does not apply to private schools. Most of the government schools in Telangana teach the subjects in Telugu. Teachers in government schools do not show up for classes regularly,” says Nasreen, adding, “I wanted to do this for two reasons. First, I come from a community of people who are auto-drivers and fruit vendors. My mother works as a domestic help and due to money problems my brother had to drop out of a private school. Everyone knows private schools charge very high fees. Second, there is a government school in Ramnagar but most parents don’t send their children to such schools. These government schools do not even have computer systems. I’m lucky I got a scholarship to Aga Khan Academy but there are many children in our state who aren’t as fortunate. All children should have the right to good quality education.”

Help Nasreen  by passing her message to the CM. Write to him at [email protected].

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