JOIN US Inclusion of vocational training for students along with academics was one of the aspects discussed upon. Making the community understand the importance of the Bill and education of children between 6-14 years are top priorities, it was decided.
The 86th Constitution Amendment Act, 2002 requires the State to provide free and compulsory education to all children between the ages of six and fourteen years in a neighbourhood school. Likewise, all Kendriya Vidyalaya, Sainik School, Navodaya Vidyalayas and un-aided schools shall admit at least 25 percent from disadvantaged and economically weaker sections of the society.
Some of the highlights of the Bill are no child shall be held back, expelled or required to pass a board examination until the completion of elementary education. There are no specific penalties if the authorities fail to provide the right to elementary education. The Bill provides for right to schooling and physical infrastructure but does not guarantee children’s learning. The Constitutional validity of reservation of seats in private schools for economically weaker sections could be challenged. The Bill legitimises the practice of multi-grade teaching.