Question

"Free education" under RTE means:

• A. No tuition fee only
• B. No examination fee
• C. No fees or expenses that prevent completion of elementary education
• D. Free books only

Answer 1

Answer:

C. No fees or expenses that prevent completion of elementary education

• Definition under RTE Act: Under Section 3(2) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, free education means that no child is liable to pay any kind of fee, charges, or expenses that may prevent them from pursuing and completing elementary education (Classes 1 to 8).
• Constitutional Basis: The RTE Act was enacted following the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, which inserted Article 21A into the Constitution of India, making education a Fundamental Right for children aged 6 to 14 years.
• Date of Enforcement: The RTE Act came into effect across India on April 1, 2010.
• Coverage of Expenses: The concept of 'free education' ensures the provision of essential schooling needs without cost, including free textbooks, uniforms, writing materials, and mid-day meals, so that financial constraints do not act as a barrier to completing elementary schooling.
• Meaning of 'Compulsory': Under the Act, compulsory education casts an obligation on the appropriate Government and local authorities to provide and ensure admission, attendance, and completion of elementary education.
• Reservation in Private Schools: Under Section 12(1)(c) of the Act, non-minority private unaided schools are mandated to reserve at least 25% of seats in entry-level classes for children belonging to economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups.