Bridging the gap: The Right to Education Act from policy to practice

Education is recognized internationally as a fundamental factor in the empowerment of people and national development.

- PRIYANKA PARASAR & DR. ISHRAT NAAZ

THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION ACT: FROM POLICY TO REALITY

That understanding finally took the form of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 passed for India mandating free and compulsory education to children between ages 6 and 14 years. The RTE Act was regarded as a revolutionary step toward ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Over a decade since its implementation, there is a huge gap between the policy promises and harsh realities on the ground.

This write-up aims to explore the objectives of the RTE Act, the challenges that impede its effective implementation and potential strategies to bridge the gap between policy and practice.

OBJECTIVES OF THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION ACT
The RTE Act was essentially born out of Article 21A of the Indian Constitution guaranteeing every child's right to free and compulsory education. The Act seeks to provide universal access to education with the aim that every child should acquire good quality education irrespective of their socioeconomic background. It achieves the mentioned objective in several key provisions.

Compulsory Registration and Attendance: Under the RTE Act, every child in the age group of 6-14 years is registered and assured attendance in school. In other words, the responsibility of doing so rests with the state.

Infrastructural and Qualification Standards for Teachers in Schools: Minimum standards in terms of school infrastructure, students per teacher, and qualifications of teachers must be assured. The requirement is aimed at raising the quality of education throughout the country.

No Detention Policy: The Act bars detention or expulsion of children from schools until they complete elementary education; it leaves no stone unturned to ensure that a child learns without a fear of failure.