RTI Activist from Sullia Ensures RTE Privilege to Needy
Mangaluru: Right to Education (RTE) is a new form of empowerment introduced by the government to help the poor and the middle class to obtain good education.
This motivated a large number of people from Sullia to apply for the same. Selection was made by picking lots and allotment letters were issued to them. A queer problem cropped up because the ward numbers did not match those mentioned in the application. Hence the allotment was cancelled by the block education personnel.
Those aggrieved approached D M Sharique, an RTI activist and a functionary of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for assistance. Being a protagonist of public causes, Sharique immediately approached the block education officer (BEO) of Sullia.
The last date for submission of application was May 20. He was informed that a meeting was to take place in deputy commissioner’s office in Mangaluru the same day at 3 pm. Sharique, accompanied by two other activists, Hassana and Shafiq, rushed to the DC’s office.
In the meeting hall, Sharique drew the attention of the DC and the deputy director of public instruction (DDPI) to the bona fide candidates having missed the chance under RTE for the simple reason of errors in ward numbers.
The DC issued verbal instructions to allot the seats irrespective of the ward numbers. At first, the BEO is said to have refused to accept Aadhaar card as a supporting document. But on the DC’s repeated instructions, the allotment are being made. The last date has been extended up to May 23 in view of the holidays on May 21 and 22.
Sharique’s interest and initiative has been widely appreciated by the allottees.
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