BANGALORE: While the blame game has begun on safety and security in school, the government has a huge role to play.
The Karnataka Education Act clearly specifies that it's the duty of government officials like the Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) and Block Education Officer (BEO) to ensure all is well. The recently implemented Right to Education Act reinforces the role of these officers in the smooth functioning of a private institution. The buck clearly stops with them.
However, a DDPI or BEO supervising a private school is rare. "None of the private schools want government interference. One of the biggest reasons why they have been opposing the RTE Act is because they do not want the BEO's interference in admission. It's so difficult for us to get involved in a private school's activities," said a BEO who spoke on condition of anonymity.
"There is a fear that the involvement of a government official will automatically bring in corruption and unnecessary snags. Any government activity is synonymous with red tape, political compulsions and hierarchy. That's why they are kept away," said a school principal.
