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Corruption in school admissions

Besides highlighting afresh, the wild, annual scramble among some sections to have their children admitted to so-called prestigious and "good schools", disclosures by Western Province Chief Minister Reginald Cooray on fraudulent practices resorted to by these parents expose the deeply-entrenched nature corruption in local society. It is an open secret that some parents who crave for "good schools" go to any lengths to achieve their aim. There are reported instances where every required document is forged by these aspirants.

The chain of corruption, apparently, descends from errant educational and school authorities to the humblest of grama niladharis. These personnel are perfectly in league with the devious parents who throw ample money to have the necessary documents fabricated. For instance, some parents who live nowhere near the desired schools have been in a position to prove close residency by submitting fraudulent title deeds to houses and property. In this grave act of deception, the parents are ably supported by conniving officials in the public sector institutions concerned, whose cooperation has been bought at a considerable price. There are apparently instances where false electricity and water bills are submitted to prove that one satisfies the area rule laid down by the educational authorities.

School admissions, therefore, bring to light corruption in some of its disturbing dimensions. We are glad that remedial measures are now being launched in the form of a supervisory board, tasked with scrutinizing for their authenticity, all documents submitted for admission for Year One in schools coming under the purview of the Western Provincial Council. We hope that this mechanism would prove effective against fraudulent practices in the area of school admissions.

Along with these measures, the State bodies responsible for stemming graft and corruption also need to be vigilant and active in the task of wiping out this blight. These institutions need to avail themselves of the resources required to crackdown on corruption in its numerous guises.

One long-term measure that could slow-down the scramble for "popular schools" is the establishment of good quality schools in the provinces and in the suburbs of Colombo. This could help deflect some of the, very often, basisless attraction for "big" schools.

In the final analysis schools of stature should be uniformly established throughout the public school system to meet our educational requirements and the norms of social justice.

• Editorial of  The Observer - 18.02.2002:
  Crime
  

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