Relevance : GS Paper II
Implementation of RTE Act has been a challenge for most States.
Similarity with ‘No child left behind’
- The RTE Act bears many similarities to the U.S.’s No Child Left Behind Act.
- Like the U.S., in India too States have been given major leeway in deciding the course of implementation.
Problems with Section 12 (1) (c)
- A problem that recurs every year is mandated access to underprivileged sections of society Section 12 (1) (c) of the Act.
- The process for admission under Section 12 (1) (c) is far from perfect.
Lessons from Tamil Nadu
- Tamil Nadu has made certain strides in the implementation of Section 12 (1) (c).
- It has widened the ambit of “disadvantaged sections” to include HIV positive children and transgenders.
- A centralized database of schools has been created within 1 km of people’s residence.
Issues to be addressed
- Financial problems continue to mar the system.
- Grievances regarding the ‘1 km radius’ criterion.
- Window for the admission process for RTE Act vacancies in private schools is very narrow.
Way forward
- Admission should be made through a single-point window online.
- A mobile application on seats available under the 25% quota.
- An RTE compliance audit should be conducted.
- Aid given to private schools must be tied to the levels of compliance.
- Schools not adhering to the 25% quota should be penalized.
- Every school should declare prominently that it is RTE compliant.
- Funds need to be released in a timely manner by the govt.
Conclusion
Section 12 (1) (c) of the RTE Act recognizes the need for inclusion which will benefit all classes of society.
