Right to Education
1. Objective: The Right to Education (RTE) is a fundamental right that ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years in India.
2. Constitutional Provision: Enshrined in Article 21A of the Indian Constitution, which was inserted through the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act in 2002.
3. Compulsory Education: RTE mandates that the government must provide free and compulsory education to all children in the specified age group.
4. Private School Inclusion: The Act also mandates that private unaided schools reserve a certain percentage of seats for economically disadvantaged and socially weaker sections.
5. Infrastructure and Quality: RTE emphasizes the need for adequate infrastructure, qualified teachers, and a focus on improving the overall quality of education.
6. Prohibition of Capitation Fee: The Act prohibits the collection of any capitation fee and screening procedures during admissions to ensure inclusivity.
7. Implementation Challenges: While RTE is a landmark initiative, its implementation faces challenges like inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and the need for improved quality standards.
8. Monitoring Mechanism: The National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) monitor and oversee the implementation of RTE at the national and state levels.
