Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009
Also called: RTE Act · Topic: Fundamental Rights and Constitutional Remedies · NCERT: Class 8, Ch 6 "The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive"
Meaning
The RTE Act is the law that puts Article 21A into practice. Article 21A makes free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 a fundamental right. The Act came into force on 1 April 2010. It promises every child a neighbourhood school. It bans capitation fees (extra money demanded for admission) and screening tests for admission. It also makes private unaided schools keep 25% of their seats for disadvantaged children. The NCPCR and the state commissions (SCPCRs) monitor how it is carried out.
Example
The 25% quota was upheld in 2012. In Pramati (2014), the Supreme Court held that minority schools do not have to follow the Act.
Don't confuse with
- Article 21A: this is the constitutional right itself, added by the 86th Amendment, 2002. The RTE Act is the ordinary law that gives the details.
Related concepts
- Right against exploitation
- Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour
- Begar
- Asiad workers case
- Bonded labour
- Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976
- Prohibition of child labour
- Right to education
- 86th Constitutional Amendment Act 2002
- Unni Krishnan case