Question

What are the main features of the right to education act, 2009?

Answer 1

Hint: In Indian Constitution, Education is in concurrent list. Originally Part IV of the Constitution which is Directive Principle of State Policy- Article 39 (f) and 45 had provision for state funded as well as fair and accessible education. Right to education is enforced by Article 21-A and this article declares that the state shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age group of six to 18 years.

Complete answer: Ramamurti committee report was the first official document on right to education which was published in 1990. In 1993, Supreme Court gave a landmark judgement in the Unnikrishnan J P vs State of Andhra Pradesh and others case and announced that Education is a fundamental right under Article 21. The 86th Constitutional Amendment in 2002 provided that the right to education is a fundamental right under part III of the Constitution. This Amendment helped in achieving the country's aim of ‘Education to all’.
Right to Education Act, 2009 has provided primary education to all children between the age of six to fourteen years. It implements the right to education as a fundamental right. The Act commands 25 percent reservation for disadvantaged classes like Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes and of our society. Under this Act it is mandatory to admit, a non admitted child to his/her age appropriate class. It provides the norms and standards related to PTR, infrastructure, working days of schools and working hours of teachers. It prohibits mental harassment and physical punishment, assessment fee and private tuitions by teachers etc.

Note: There have been several amendments to the Right to Education act. Its provisions have also changed several times like education was in part IV originally but has been shifted to Part III in 86th Constitutional Amendment. Do not get confused.