Right To Education
Right To Education
Right To Education
Historical Perspective:
At the time of Independence, India inherited an educational system
which was not only quantitatively small but was also characterized by
striking gender and regional disparities. Only one child out of three had
been enrolled in primary school. Thus challenge was to provide elementary
education to all its children within a stipulated period of time.
Accordingly, universal education for all children in the 6-14 age group
became a constitutional provision by Article 45 of the Constitution. Special
care of the economic and educational interests of the under privileged
sections of the population also became a constitutional obligation. But these
constitutional provisions still remain unfulfilled. Government's
commitment to ensure elementary education for all children aged 6-14
years was later seen in its ambitious programme named 'Sarva Shiksha
Abhiyan'.Free and compulsory elementary education was made a
fundamental right under Article 21A of the Constitution in December 2002
by the 86th Amendment. In bringing this into action, the 'Right of Children
to Free and Compulsory Education Bill' was drafted in 2005. This was
revised and became an Act in August 2009, but was enforced on 1st April
2010.The Right to Education Act will benefit about one crore out-of- school
children and a large number of drop-out children. As per an estimate, out
of 22 crore children in the 6-14 years age group in the country, 4.6 percent
children have no enrolment in any school.
CHALLENGES OF EDUCATION
1. According to latest estimates, some 3.5 million elementary school
children still not in school
1. Every child from 6 to 14 years of age shall have the right to free and
compulsory education in a neighborhood school till completion of
elementary education.
2. Private schools shall provide 25 percent reservation for weaker sections
and economically disadvantaged groups in the admission.
3. All schools except government schools are required to meet all
specified norms and standards within three years to avoid cancellation
of their recognition.
4. The Act calls for a fixed pupil-teacher ratio, i.e., 30:1.
5. The Act mandates improvement in quality of education.
6. Financial burden will be shared between Central and State
Governments.
7. Right of children to free and compulsory education till completion of
elementary education in a neighborhood school.
10. It lays down the norms and standards relating inter alia to Pupil
Teacher Ratios (PTRs), buildings and infrastructure, school-working days,
teacher-working hours.
13. It prohibits
Conclusion:
In order to meet the challenges and surmount the hurdles that stand in the
way of implementing Right to Education Act, it is needful to concentrate all
efforts with full dedication and commitment. Not only the central and state
governments but the nation as a whole should take responsibility in this
regard. Community participation and support can make marked difference
in achieving this goal. There exists a need for greater coordination amongst
different agencies and functionaries involved in this task. To overcome
population pressures and budgetary constraints, cost effectiveness and
accountability must be ascertained at every level. Efforts should be focused
on qualitative improvement of the whole programme.
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