The role of the local authority has been clearly outlined in the RTE Act. Expectations from the local authorities are considerable and challenging. Long-term partnerships between the RTE Act and Panchayati Raj (PRIs) would, therefore, be required to enable local authorities to meet these challenges. Education departments are working with PRIs since the passing of the 73 and 74 Amendments of the Panchayat Raj Act.
It is agreed that the role of PRIs to be holistic, there are some areas, where that education department could play a substantial role. These are:
• Mobilisation and awareness building
• Social mapping
• Ensuring equity, quality and non-discrimination
• Training of School Management Committees
• Training of personnel of Panchayati Raj Institutions
• Conduct of ‘Special Training’
• Monitoring and watchdog role
• Role of parents
• Role of children