Right to Education Act, 2009 (RTE) declares that all children from 6 to 14 years of age have the right to free education, and the government has to ensure the building of sufficient schools in the neighbourhood, appoint properly qualified teachers and make all the necessary provisions. In the light of what you have read in this chapter and already know, discuss and debate the importance of this Act for (i) children, and (ii) human development.

The government of India brought the Right to Education Act in 2009. The importance of the RTE for children can be discussed as follows:

a. The act makes education a fundamental right of every child between the ages of 6-14 years.

b. Schooling is free of cost and cost would be borne by the government.

c. There is a provision for all private schools to reserve 25% of seats to children belonging to the low-income group of society.

d. A learner who completes his elementary education shall be awarded a certificate in recognition of the same.

e. Professionally qualified teachers will be appointed to improve the quality of education.

f. Efforts will be made to improve the infrastructure in the school. The expenses for the same will be shared by both the state and the central governments.

ii) Human Development.

a. Education is the key component of human development. It serves as a building block to get a quality elementary education.

b. Education adds quality to the available human resource which is the most important factor and element in the development of the nation.

c. The state with the help of all expounders should fulfil this commitment. It is indispensable for the development of society as a whole.