With only two weeks left for implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, Human Resource Develoment minister Kapil Sibal has asked the chief ministers to cooperate in universalising elementary education.

Sibal has sent letters to the chief ministers with a message - "Elementary education of equitable quality is now the right of every child" - and a short awareness film.

In his letter, Sibal has made six suggestions. He has asked states to initiate "geospatial mapping" to ensure availability of neighbourhood schools. The special training for out-of-school children so that they can be enrolled in the age appropriate class, has also been suggested.

RTE demands a teacher student ratio of 1:30, Sibal has asked states to maintain it. Stressing on the importance of teachers in the implementation of RTE, Sibal has asked states to fill teacher vacancies. States have also been asked to keep in mind "domestic responsibilities" of women teachers.

The HRD minister also said in his letter that since RTE mandates training of all untrained teachers within five years, states should prepare a plan that facilitates all untrained teachers.

The act has to be implemented from April 1 and Sibal has chosen to launch RTE from Delhi.