Question map
Which one among the following statements regarding the constitutionally guaranteed Right to Education in India is correct?
Explanation
The Right to Education (RTE) in India is a constitutionally guaranteed fundamental right under Article 21A, which was inserted by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002 [2]. This right specifically mandates that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children between the ages of 6 and 14 years [2]. While the amendment was passed in 2002, it became operational on April 1, 2010, following the enactment of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 [1]. The right is restricted to elementary education for children and does not extend to adult illiteracy or higher education [2]. Furthermore, it is an indigenous constitutional development rather than a direct adoption from the British Constitution, which lacks a codified bill of rights similar to India's Part III [2].
Sources
- [1] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties IJl > p. 133
- [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > D I Right to Education > p. 90