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[Constitution]
Constitution Article
Article 21A in Constitution of India
21A. Right to education
The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the State may, by law, determine.Editorial Comment- Article 21A of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to education as a fundamental right for children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. It was introduced by the 86th Amendment Act of 2002 with the aim of providing free and compulsory education to all children in the specified age group. The amendment makes it the duty of the State to ensure that every child within the specified age group receives compulsory education. It prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunities for education. Article 21A guarantees that education provided by the State to children in the specified age group should be free of charge. It aims to remove financial barriers that could hinder access to education. The responsibility for implementing the provisions of Article 21A lies with the respective state governments. They are tasked with ensuring that adequate infrastructure, facilities, and qualified teachers are available to provide quality education to all children.To give effect to the provisions of Article 21A, the Right to Education (RTE) Act was enacted in 2009. The RTE Act further elaborates on the specifics of free and compulsory education, including the responsibilities of the government, admission processes, curriculum, and standards for schools, and mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing the right to education.ReferencesMinistry of Education [Editorial comment-The Constitution (Eighty-sixth Amendment) Act, 2002, provides certain important provisions to strengthen the educational system of the country. It ensures that children under the age of 14 have the right to free formal education and mandates the state to provide suitable schooling and educational opportunities for them. This amendment is a significant step toward ensuring that all children from the age of six to fourteen receive a free primary education, while also protecting their rights to attain quality education in a safe environment.Also Refer]