Ennum Ezhuthum: Confusion over training venue irks BRTEs

NIRUPA SAMPATH

CHENNAI: The second phase of 3-day Ennum Ezhuthum training is set to start from October 10 for teachers of classes 1-5 across Tamil Nadu.

However, Block Resource Teacher Educators (BRTEs), who will be conducting these trainings, have allegedly been told to take classes only in private schools, due to poor infrastructure like toilets in government schools.

A BRTE in Chengalpattu district said, “Recently, through a phone call from District Institute for Education and Training (DIET), we were told to look for private schools, where training can be held. It’s amusing that training for a government scheme for government teachers might be held in private schools.”

Additionally, the BRTE told DT Next that though most districts have called teachers from classes 1-5 for training, a few have also called in headmasters of Class 8 too. This has caused confusion among the staff.

While the BRTEs have been appointed to conduct training for Ennum Ezhu-thum, DIET lecturers (District Institute for Education and Training), also called as block coordinators, are handling monetary transactions.

A BRTE in Villupuram said that DIET lecturers are equally qualified to conduct training but they’re not being utilised. “From finalising the location to arranging training materials, BRTEs are responsible to cover all tasks. So, why can’t they handle monetary transactions too, while block coordinators take training?”

Subsequently, members of BRTEs association alleged lack of transparency in monetary transactions and failing to issue a circular from either DIET or State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT).

“Training is meant solely for the preparation of Teaching Learning Material (TLM). And SCERT has announced Rs 150 for 3-day training per teacher. However, now there are claims that only Rs 50 will be given. There is no clarity on monetary transactions. I’m doubtful if officials are showing correct expenses,” added a BRTE in Chennai.

A SCERT official said, “We told BRTEs to look for places with good facilities, not specifically private schools. There’s nothing to read between the lines here.” The official refused to answer to other allegations when asked.