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          With these words, I once again support the Private Members’ Resolution moved by Shri Ram Kripal Yadav. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak.

MR. CHAIRMAN : Since there is no Panel of Chairmen available, with the kind permission of the House, I request Shri C.K. Chandrappan to take the Chair for some time. Afterwards, I will relieve him; so, now, with the permission of the House, I will request Shri C.K. Chandrappan to occupy the Chair.

 

16.57 hrs.                       (Shri C.K. Chandrappan in the Chair)   SHRI B. MAHTAB (CUTTACK): I stand here to deliberate on the Resolution which has been moved by Shri Ram Kripal Yadav, stating very clearly that this House should urge upon the Government to take effective steps to provide free, compulsory and uniform education up to higher secondary level in this country. These are the three major aspects on which he has dealt with in this Resolution.

It must be realised by a developing country like India that the great need of the hour is to turn from single-track educational system to a double-track or a multi-track educational system which can provide diversified vocational courses, which can really prepare higher secondary students for life and make education job oriented and productive. 
MR. CHAIRMAN : Mr. Mahtab, please cooperate.  I have given you a lot of indulgence because you are making a good speech. 
SHRI B. MAHTAB : Let me conclude by dealing with secondary education. 
MR. CHAIRMAN: Mr. Mahtab, you have taken 20 minutes.  Please cooperate with the Chair.
SHRI B. MAHTAB : In 2001, the number of “out of school children” in India was estimated to be about 39 million.  In 2005, that number is  around ten million.  Are we to understand that Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is meeting the target?  The general perception is “No.”  If it is so, where does the problem lie?  The problem lies with the drop outs.  Of course, the CAG Report also talks about it. 
The annual status on education, a yearly survey, conducted by an NGO reveals that at least fifty per cent of these children cannot read a simple two-line passage. About 65 per cent of the targeted population currently cannot do a simple two-digit division.  There is no point in pushing the children into schools, who would be considered literates by the census, but would not be suitable for employment.  Whom do you hold responsible for this failure? 
          Sir, the Kothari Commission long back had suggested that six per cent of the GDP should be invested in education.  However, we are yet to achieve that.  The UPA Government in their Common Minimum Programme had suggested to achieve this target.  Now, three or four years of the UPA Government have passed.  What attempt has been made in this regard?  … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN : Shri Mahtab, please conclude. 
SHRI B. MAHTAB : Sir, a sum of Rs. 15,000 crores is being collected as education cess.  So, there is a need to include the higher secondary classes in the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.  … (Interruptions)