Right to Information Act (RTE act) was passed by the Parliament of India in 2009 and came into effect in 2010. It is a landmark act of the parliament and an important step towards the realization of the goal of free and universal education for all.
RTE Act deals with the several educational challenges that have existed in education in India. It seeks to enhance the quality of education system and make it responsive. To the needs of the students and children.
RTE ACT : MAIN FEATURES OF THE ACT
RTE act prescribes minimum norms and standards involved in schooling at elementary level. Regularisation of schools as well as prohibition of practices such as donation fees and interviews at the time of admission.
It requires regular checks and surveys on the state of education. And to find out who has access to education and who does not. Its aim was to enhance the quality of education in the country and to make education accessible to all.
It mandated free and compulsory education for all in a neighbourhood school upto 1 km distance. It lays down norms regarding teacher-student ratio, classrooms, toilets, drinking water facilities, number of school working days etc. It also mentions the requirements for special trainings and special education.
The RTE act also forbade discrimination on the basis of gender, caste, class and religion etc. As well as physical and mental harassment in the institutions. The act seeks to ensure that all-round development of children takes place.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
RTE Act is important because it made India one of the 135 countries that made education a fundamental right. It inserted article 21(A) in the Constitution making education compulsory for children between 6-14 years of age.
It makes education accessible for disadvantaged sections of the society and led to rise in enrolment rate of students in schools. By reserving 25% seats in all private schools for socially and economically disadvantaged sections, the act has been instrumental in leading to social inclusion.
It is important that the RTE Act is fully implemented and people are made aware of the act. It must be strengthened such that no student is left behind in education.