All eyes on PM Modi’s Teachers’ Day speech

NASHIK: Educationists and NGOs are expecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to highlight issues hindering proper development of education sector, including prevention of privatization of schools, during his address to students of all schools on September 5, which is observed as Teacher’s day.
The PM has taken an initiative to reach out to every student through TV, radio and the internet on Teachers' Day for which the directorate of education (DoE) on Saturday issued a notification advising all private as well as government schools to organize a broadcast of Modi’ address.A question-answer session with school children through television or internet from 3pm to 4.45pm on September 5 will also be conducted.
Welcoming the move, secretary of Shikshan Bazarikaran Virodhi Manch said that it was a good decision by the central government to address the students. However, the contents of the speech are important. “As head of the government, he should ensure implementation of various government policies in this sector. The government should act before speaking about the issue,” he said.
Wagh said the PM should also not politicize the event. “It would have been better if the government had done efficient work in the sector and then addressed the students. It would also be appreciated if he would speak with teachers from remote parts of the India and seek feedback,” he added.
Sharad Kokate, president of the student organization Chhatra Bharati, said that the PM should raise the issues of privatization of schools. He should explain how the students from poorest strata, who are not in the mainstream of education, can be brought under it.
Ratan Luth, director of a private school here, said that it is a golden opportunity for students to directly speak to the PM. “It is very rare that a politician interacts with students. The students will be motivated after hearing his speech. Chief ministers of every state should replicate the initiative” he added.