Right to education-Tryst with Destiny

1. Introduction

Right to education is the act of parliament by which the intent of the government is to provide each and every poor child i.e who is below poverty line and is between the age of 6 to 14 free and compulsory education. By passing of this act and being sanctioned by the President now it has become a fundamental right under the wide interpretation of article 21A of our constitution.

Evolution

Right to education is not a totally new step. Prior to this, the root of RTE can be traced from  National Policy  of Education 1986. This was a policy which was totally setup on a constitutional mandate in order to provide basic education to the citizens of India. Main aim was to make education in such a way that one after getting basic education can be qualified to get a job for living. It was a job oriented policy. It wanted to curb out illeteracy. The following points were its main objectives- 1. Vocationalizaiton of Education. Particularly, at the secondary stage of education the curriculum should be job-oriented. 2. To encourage the governmental and non-governmental efforts for wiping out illiteracy and to emphasize the necessity of adult education, formal education, farmers; education and ‘open’ schools. 3. To awaken the people about the various scientific and technological developments and to make the students at the various stages of education aware of the same in order that they may utilize them in their future life. Also by going through various international conventions like United Nations Human Rights Declaration, International Covenanat on  Economic, Social and Cultural Rights advocates that RTE is the funadamental right of children. Right to education was considered Fundamental Right in the year 2002 by 86th amendment. And Right to Education act was enacted on 1st April 2010.

Shortcoming

In my opinion this act should be treated as heart and soul of the developing India. RTE Act in order to attain maximum literacy level have created provision which further encourages the building of private schools. Also these schools are asked to have 25% of students who are between the age of 6 to 14 and are BPL. The act asks the school to give them free education, but unfortunately maximum number of schools all through the India ignore this provision. Moreover several guidelines are given to schools for doing surveys and mapping of their neighbouring areas for assessment of children who are below poverty  line, but again this provision is ignored. This act is tryst with destiny in the area of education and hence is of utmost importance.

Solution

Government by its agencies should regularly check the number of BPL students attending school and ensure they are 25% in number or in the proportionate number as per survey of that school. Also a sense of responsibility ought to be taught to the wealthy owners of private schools about their social responsibilties. Adding to that a concept of fine and punishment must be created and implemented if the schools are not following the guidelines.