For the first time, the state government will conduct a survey of schools from Class 1 to Class 12 under the newly-created Unified District Information System for Education (U-DISE) to determine how many children or habitations have been left out of the academic mainstream.

So far, the survey was restricted only till Class 8. But from 2012-13 academic session, the survey will cover the higher secondary as well. It will also check the Right to Education (RTE) preparedness of schools.

The new system has replaced the District Information System for Education (DISE) and Secondary Education Management Information System (SEMIS) that were hitherto under the purview of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), respectively.

And all types of schools: state board, self-financing, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and even the international schools such as IGCSE or IB will have to submit information required by the survey by December 5. Even schools imparting theological education such as vedic pathshalas, madrassas and others, will be covered.The analysis will also factor in details pertaining to infrastructure in schools and teacher-pupil ratio. Itwill help the school education department to implement the Right to Education Act better. Schools are also asked to give the number of students from weaker sections that had applied for admission under the 25% quota provision and how many students secured admission under it.

“Maharashtra was found to be lagging behind in implementing the RTE in a recent survey. This comprehensive database will help us understand whether schools are RTE compliant in the state,’’ said a senior official from the state education department.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / Daily News & Analysis / Home> Mumbai> Report / by Puja Pednekar, Agency: DNA / Tuesday, November 20th, 2012