rte act 2009

rte act 2009

The Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009 is a significant piece of legislation in India that ensures free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14. Here's a brief overview of the RTE Act 2009:

  1. Background: The RTE Act was enacted by the Parliament of India on August 4, 2009, and came into effect on April 1, 2010. It is based on the fundamental principle that education is a fundamental right of every child.
  2. Key Provisions:
    • Free and Compulsory Education: The RTE Act mandates that every child between the ages of 6 and 14 has the right to free and compulsory education in a neighborhood school.
    • Infrastructure and Quality Standards: The Act sets forth norms and standards for school infrastructure, teacher-student ratios, teacher qualifications, and other aspects of educational quality.
    • Non-Discrimination: The RTE Act prohibits discrimination on the grounds of caste, religion, gender, or socio-economic status in admission and retention of students.
    • 25% Reservation: Private unaided schools are required to reserve 25% of their seats at the entry level (Class 1) for children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups.
    • No Capitation Fee: The Act prohibits schools from charging any capitation fee or donation at the time of admission.
    • Teacher Qualifications: Teachers in schools must possess the minimum qualifications specified by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
  3. Implementation: The RTE Act places the responsibility of implementation on the respective state governments, which are tasked with ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Act.
  4. Monitoring and Evaluation: The RTE Act establishes mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the Act at both the national and state levels.

The RTE Act 2009 represents a landmark in India's efforts to achieve universal elementary education and address disparities in access to education. It aims to promote equity, inclusiveness, and quality in the education system.