RIGHT TO EDUCATION ACT and its Implications

This PPT covers the topic RIGHT TO EDUCATION ACT (2009)

1. RTE

2. What is the Act about? Every child between the ages of 6 to 14 years has the right to free and compulsory education. This is stated as per the 86th Constitution Amendment Act via Article 21A. The Right to Education Act seeks to give effect to this amendment The government schools shall provide free education to all the children and the schools will be managed by School Management Committees (SMC). Private schools shall admit at least 25% of the children in their schools without any fee.

3. History

4. Main Functions

5. The RTE Act provides… Right of children to free and compulsory education till completion of elementary education in a neighbourhood school. It ensures free & compulsory education to all children within the age group of 6 to 14. No school fees, capitation fees, charges or expenses are to be paid by a child to get elementary education. The child or his parents are not to be subjected to any screening procedure for admission to school. It makes provisions for a non-admitted child to be admitted to an age appropriate class. It specifies the duties and responsibilities of appropriate Governments, local authority and parents in providing free and compulsory education. financial and other responsibilities between the Central and State Governments.

6. It lays down the norms and standards to Pupil Teacher Ratios (PTRs), buildings and infrastructure, school-working days, teacher-working hours. It provides for appointment of appropriately trained teachers, i.e. teachers with the requisite entry and academic qualifications. It prohibits ( a) physical punishment and mental harassment; ( b) screening procedures for admission of children; ( c) capitation fee; ( d) private tuition by teachers and ( e) running of schools without recognition

7. Responsibilities of School To provide free and compulsory elementary education to all children admitted. To provide free & compulsory elementary education to weaker section and disadvantaged group to the extent of at least 25% of the strength of the class. To provide such information as may be required by the appropriate Government or the local authority, as the case may be. To take no capitation fee and no screening for admission. Should not deny admission for lack of age proof though must ask for birth certificate issued by competent authority. Should not hold back or expel any child from any class till the completion of elementary education. Shall not subject any child to physical punishment or mental harassment.

8. Duties of Teachers To maintain regularity and punctuality in attending school. To conduct and complete the curriculum. To complete entire curriculum within the specified time. To assess the learning ability of each child and accordingly supplement additional instructions, if any, as required. To hold regular meetings with parents and guardians and apprise them about the regularity in attendance, ability to learn, progress made in learning and any other relevant information about the child. To perform such other duties as may be prescribed. Shall not engage in private tuition or private teaching activity.

9. Pupil Teacher Ratio For classes I to V - 30:1 (till 120 students) - 40:1 ( from 121 to 200 students) One-Head Teacher + Five Teachers (for above 150 students) In any case : pupil teacher ratio shall not exceed 40:1 For Classes VI to VIII - 35:1 At least One Teacher per Class, One from Science and Mathematics, Social-Studies and languages each. Full time Head Teacher and part time Instructors for Art education, Health & Physical Education and Work Education.

10. Curriculum and Completion of Elementary Education To conform with values enshrined in the Constitution. For all round development of the child. To build child's knowledge, potentiality and talent. To develop physical and mental abilities. To ensure learning through activities, discovery and exploration in a child friendly and child centered manner. To Instruct as far as practicable in child’s mother tongue. To make the child free of fear and anxiety and helping the child to express views freely. Comprehensive and Continuous Evaluation (CCE) of child’s understanding of knowledge and his/her ability to apply the same.

11. Examination and Completion Certificate No child shall be required to pass any Board examination till completion of elementary education. Every child completing his elementary education shall be awarded a certificate, in such form and in such manner, as may be prescribed.

12. Norms and Standards for a School Building : At least one class-room for every teacher and an office-cum-store-cum-Head teacher’s room . Barrier-free access. Separate toilets for boys and girls . Safe and adequate drinking water facility to all children. A kitchen where mid-day meal is cooked in the school. Playground .

13. Norms and Standards for a School (Contd.) Minimum number of working days/instructional hours in an academic year Two hundred working days for first class to fifth class. Two hundred and twenty working days for sixth class to eight class. Eight hundred instructional hours per academic year for first class to fifth class. One thousand instructional hours per academic year for sixth class to eighth class.

14. Norms and Standards for a School(Contd.) Minimum number of working hours per week for the teacher : Forty-Five teaching including preparation hours. Teaching learning equipment : Shall be provided to each class as required. Library : There shall be a library in each school providing newspaper, magazines and books on all subjects, including story-books. Play material, games and sports equipment : Shall be provided to each class as required.

15. Admission Norms As per Chapter IV 12(I) – The KVs shall admit in Class I: admission to be granted for the children under RTE Act as per admission guidelines. At least 25% of the strength of that class children belonging to weaker section and disadvantaged group in the neighbourhood No screening test to be conducted from Class I to VIII selection process should be random (draw of lot). children suffering from disability will also be covered under RTE Act

16. THE SUPPORTS P rovide free and compulsory elementary education till its completion. No fee to be charged from the children admitted under 25% of the quota. One set of NCERT text books for his/her class to each child will be provided by the school and other expenses on account of note books, stationary, uniform and transport will be reimbursed by the parent on production of proper bills, as specified by MHRD. No children to be detained in any class up to 8thstandard. The transfer certificate may not be insisted for admission up to Class VIII.

17. Challenges in Implementation T here is an urgent need of taking appropriate steps for inclusive education of children with disabilities by providing teaching-learning materials, aids and appliances in accordance with nature and needs of each disability, suitable infrastructural modifications, training of regular teachers and school-based appointment of special teacher. There is also a need for organising programmes for community awareness and attitude change in order to make school for all children.

18. Challenges in Implementation Home-based education has to be given to children suffering from multi-disabilities, severe and profound disability conditions. Shortage of teachers, alarming pupil-teacher ratio, other official duties assigned to teachers, business in training programmes , duties in block level office, making Aadhar cards and voter ID Cards etc , no training of regular teachers in education of children with disabilities and non-availability of special teacher support on daily basis are challenges in the implementation of RTE.

19. Present Status Even after Seven years of passing the Bill, an internal Delhi Govt. report says Poor presence of students Ignorance among teachers and guardians about the provisions of the Act Poor condition of training regarding RTE Acute shortage of teachers Malaise of absence of teachers from the schools No atmosphere of quality teaching and meaningful teaching- learning process

20. Why is the act significant and what does it mean for India? The passing of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act 2009 marks a historic moment for the children of India . This Act serves as a building block to ensure that every child has his or her right (as an entitlement) to get a quality elementary education, and that the State, with the help of families and communities, fulfils this obligation. Few countries in the world have such a national provision to ensure both free and child- centred , child-friendly education.

21. Funding The Right to Education act has clearly laid down distinct responsibilities for the centre, state and local bodies for its implementation. However , a lot of states have been complaining about the lack of funds being received which is making it impossible to meet with the appropriate standard of education in the schools needed for universal education. Hence , the centre that is at the receiving end of the revenue will have to subsidize for the states.