Elementary education in India and RTE act and its implementation

The landmark passing of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 marks a historic moment for the children of India. For the first time in India’s history, Children will be guaranteed their right to quality elementary education by the state with the help of families and communities. All children between the ages of 6 and 14 shall have the right to free and compulsory elementary education at a neighborhood school. There is no direct cost (school fees) or indirect cost (uniforms, text books, mid-day meals, transportation) to be borne by the child or the parents to obtain elementary education. The government will provide schooling free-of-cost until a child’s elementary education is completed. Few countries in the world have such a national provision to ensure child-centered, child-friendly education to help all children develop to their fullest potential. There were an estimated eight million 6 to 14 years-olds in India out of school in 2009. The world cannot reach its goal to have every child complete primary school by 2015 without India.