Bhubaneswar: The School and Mass Education department today directed the District Collectors and Education Officers to take action against schools affiliated to CBSE and ICSE boards not adhering to the guidelines issued by the department as well as the MHRD, Govt. of India.
In a letter, Additional Secretary Rernish Kerketta asked the Education officials and Collectors to take necessary action for implementation of the MHRD guidelines in all schools of the State irrespective of their affiliation to any board. Citing that NCPCR is asking for compliance, the Additional Secretary asked the officials to monitor the steps taken to reduce the weight of school bags. They will also monitor whether schools are using books prescribed by SCERT/NCERT and see that no home task is given to children of classes I & II in all schools of the state.
“For better monitoring and compliance of the directions, squads at district level may be constituted under the orders of District Collector. While the DEOs/ DPCs will be appointed as Chairman, BEOs/ DCPOs/ Police Officers/any other officers/ NGOs may be appointed as members of the squad. These squads may make visit to schools including private English medium schools, affiliated to CBSE/ ICSE by giving prior notice,” read the letter.
The letter further stated that the Regional Director, CBSE, Bhubaneswar has also been requested to issue necessary directives to the CBSE affiliated schools under his jurisdiction and monitor whether the guidelines issued by the State as well as CBSE for reduction of load of school bags and use of NCERT prescribed books are being followed by these schools.