SAMAJ WEEKLY UK-
-Ramesh Chander
I recall that I had written in one of my blogs about the Right to Education (RTE) in September, 2015 with reference to PM Narendra Modi’s views on the subject which read as “The provisions of the RTE Act require to be enforced strictly. The educational institutions, which claimed and are enjoying the facilities and concessions offered and extended by the government, have become totally commercial. Neither they pay due remunerations to the teachers for their work nor provide seats to the economically and socially marginalized students. The vested interests tend to flout these provisions in one way or the other.”
The situation is as bad as it was. No one has paid any attention to solve the problem of students belonging to EWS. My immediate motivation to right again on the subject is the struggle of one of family friends, Onkar Nath, a highly placed but retired bureaucrat (Deputy CAG). The struggle and efforts of Onkar Nath and many other likeminded individuals and outfits under the banner of ‘Action Committee for RTE Act 2009 have been highlighted by the media and rightly so. I take this opportunity to congratulate and support Onkar Nath and his associates in the cause of education of the children of the marginalized sections of the society. It is a matter of worry and shame that in spite of Judicial Court’s directions, the concerned authorities and educational institutions are blissfully ignorant and silent.
The provisions of the RTE Act are clear and simple. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act or Right to Education Act (RTE), is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted on 4 August 2009, which describes the modalities of the importance of free and compulsory education for children between 6 and 14 in India under Article 21a of the Indian Constitution. The Right to Education (RTE) Act mandates that private schools reserve 25% of their seats for children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Disadvantaged Groups. This reservation ensures that children from marginalized backgrounds have access to quality education in private schools. The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of this provision.
Key aspects of the EWS provision under the RTE Act:
Mandatory Reservation:
Private, unaided schools are legally bound to reserve a minimum of 25% of their seats for EWS and disadvantaged groups, according to the RTE Act, 2009.
Free Education:
The reserved seats are free of cost, ensuring that children from weaker sections can access quality education without financial barriers, according to the RTE Act, 2009.
Eligibility:
EWS and disadvantaged groups include children from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, orphans, and children with disabilities.
Constitutional Validity:
The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional validity of Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, which mandates the EWS reservation.
State Responsibility:
State Governments are responsible for monitoring the implementation of the EWS provisions in schools.
Impact of the EWS provision:
Social Inclusion:
The EWS reservation aims to promote social inclusion and provide equal educational opportunities for children from diverse backgrounds.
Addressing Inequality:
It addresses educational inequality by ensuring that marginalized children have access to quality education alongside their peers from higher-income families.
The lofty policy as stipulated in the RTE Act, 2009 is the only remedy to address the educational backwardness of the weaker sections of the society. While I fully agree with PM Narendra Modi who rightly said some years ago while addressing the students, teachers and educational administrators that ‘Mother gives birth and Teacher gives life’, it is time to act and deliver. Many more Onkar Naths are sitting and watching on the fence. Why should the authorities and the other stake holders hold back the provisions of the RTE Act particularly with regard to the children belonging to EWS?
Masjid To Bana Di Sabbhar Mein; Iman Ki Hararat Walon Ne
Man Apna Purana Papi Hai; Barson Se Namazi Ho Na Saka
