IT-based system as redressal mechanism for RTE grievances: NAC

In an effort to strengthen the grievance redressal mechanism for effective RTE implementation , the National Advisory Council has suggested usage of IT- based system which includes maintaining a website to keep public updated about all decisions taken.
Though Right To Education (RTE) came into effect in April, 2010, an efficient grievance redressal mechanism has remained an area of concern, with studies indicating that the rate of redressal is as low as 30 per cent.
According to an 'in-principle' approval for a monitoring and grievance redress architecture for RTE, NAC had suggested integrating an IT based system for speedy registration, acknowledgement and disposal of grievances.

"IT connectivity throughout the country, particularly via cellphones and landlines is fairly extensive now. Instead of relying only on hand-filled formats for registering complaints, acknowledging them and transferring them from one stage to another, a two-way transparent network based on voice calls, SMSes, and emails should be provided," it has suggested.
All voice calls to designated call centers, SMS and web access must be free of charge, in consonance with 'free' education as defined in the RTE Act, it said.
Further, it has suggested creation of a website that would allow public interface, collation, registration and to make visible all the decisions taken.

In its recommendations to the government, the NAC has suggested that with more than 52 entitlements under the Act, designated officers should be made responsible for provisioning and redress.
The Ministry of Women and Child Welfare has been asked to take steps for strengthening the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) which monitors the implementation of RTI.
It has also suggested the HRD Ministry and states to institutionalise mechanisms for dialogue and mediation that ensure participation of all stakeholders in resolving grievances.