Question

Which amongst the following Amendments of the Indian Constitution led to the inclusion of a New Article 21-A that made free and compulsory education to all children of 6-14 years of age as a Fundamental Right?

• A. 85
• B. 86
• C. 87
• D. 88

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 86

Key Constitutional Amendment and its Impact on Education

The 86th Amendment Act, 2002: A Landmark Change

• The 86th Amendment Act of 2002 is a pivotal amendment in the Indian Constitution, primarily known for introducing a new article related to education.
• This amendment inserted Article 21-A into the Constitution.
• Article 21-A proclaims that "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."
• This effectively made the right to education a Fundamental Right for children in the specified age group.
• Prior to this amendment, the right to education was a Directive Principle of State Policy (Article 45), but not a justiciable Fundamental Right.
• The 86th Amendment also led to consequential changes in other parts of the Constitution:
• It amended Article 45 to reflect the new approach towards early childhood care and education for children below six years.
• It introduced a new clause (k) to Article 51-A (Fundamental Duties), making it a duty of every citizen to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years.
• This amendment was a significant step towards achieving the goals set by the Directive Principles and aligning India with international conventions on the right to education.
• The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, was enacted to give effect to Article 21-A, mandating free and compulsory education for all children aged 6 to 14 years.