On 4th August 2009, India enacted a prominent act which ensured a necessary right to the children of Indian society. The Right to Education Act, also known as The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act. This act states the requirement and importance of free and compulsory education to children between the ages of 6 and 14 under the Article 21A of the India constitution. This act made education the fundamental and basic right of each and every child in India. The main focus of this act is on free and compulsory education. Free education refers to the fact that no child has to pay for education in schools supported by government with the exception of private schools. Compulsory education instructs the government and local authorities to ensure that education and related resources are being provided to the children by them.
The following is an overview of what the Right to Education act provides -
1. Right of free and compulsory education to children till elementary school.
2. Admission to non-admitted child in age appropriate class
3. Specifies the duties and responsibilities of the government and local authorities and sharing financial responsibilities between the Center and State
4. Lays down norms regarding infrastructure of schools, working hours, teacher working hours, etc.
5. Provides a rational deployment of teachers to ensure teacher pupil ratio throughout for each school
6. Ensuring no urban rural imbalance in present in teacher posting
7. Appointment of appropriately trained teachers with the required academic qualifications
8. Provides for development of curriculum which can ensure all round development of a child
9. Prohibits physical punishment, screening students for admission, capitation fees, private tuition by teachers, running schools without registration.
But this act has its own share of cons. It has been vastly criticized of the poor execution and implementation of the act. This act does not take in account the quality of education that is being provided under this act. Even though this act has helped in creating a base for elementary school, the shortage of teachers and lack of infrastructural resources has served as a great obstacle for it to progress. The schools are also victims of absenteeism and mismanagement of appointments.
This act has acted as a savior for many children in our society. It has given the hope of education to everyone in this country. But until the execution and implementation of this act is properly done, this act can just be a financial burden for India.
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