Govt. directs all state schools to stop discrimination against SC/ST, Muslim students

The Central Government has taken up the cause to combat discrimination in the schools against the Muslim as well as the Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) students who are made to do menial jobs and are often excluded from school activities. The Union Govt. urges all the states to take recommended measures such as new reporting mechanisms, diversifying school management committees and launching sensitization programmes to achieve the said goal. The recommendation is a part of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, which is the government's policy for a well-integrated education system. The Government pointed out certain socio-cultural and economic constraints in relation to the Muslim children. It also recognized the need to set up more schools in the areas having higher Muslim population density. It stated that “ There is an early withdrawal of male children to enable them to apprentice with artisans, mechanics etc. Even earlier withdrawal of female children is there due to social and religious reasons. A large part of exclusion results from the social distance caused by lack of knowledge and understanding about minority communities.” The policy documents suggest that all activities should be monitored to ensure the participation in sports, music, and drama and it should be encouraged as this will help in breaking “ social barriers” and promote inclusion of the SC children. Attendance and the dropout rates are also to be monitored closely and step to be taken to improve the transport facility according to the recommendation. The teachers should also be provided with special training, apart from which adequate representation of Muslim parents in the school management committee should be encouraged. The Union Government is of the opinion that such measures will go a long in reducing the hostilities that exist.