DEVIL IN the Detail

The RTE Act has several flaws which hamper its goal of providing quality education to all children

LIMITED COVERAGE

Only children between the ages of 6 and 14 are covered. The Act is silent on what happens to children after they pass Class VIII. Government says it will ensure that underprivileged children can study beyond Class VIII in private schools. Modalities will be worked out when the time comes.

MIDDLE CLASS BURDEN

The Government will not fully subsidise private schools for quota. This may mean higher fee for paying students. Government says its prime motivation in adopting reservations is social integration. Instead of raising fees, private schools can raise funds from other sources like corporates.

NO ACTION PLAN FOR GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS

Reservations for underprivileged children in private schools is a partial solution. Act does not set benchmarks for government schools. Government says it cannot ensure high quality education for all children in Government schools because it lacks financial resources.

FOCUS ON INPUTS, NOT OUTCOMES

The Act sets benchmarks for inputs a school needs such as teachers and buildings, but sets none for quality learning. Government says failing children violates the right to education.

RING-FENCING WITH EXEMPTIONS

The Act exempts boarding schools and schools run by minority institutions. Government says rights of minority-institutions are constitutionally protected. Boarding schools usually only start from Class VI, so it doesn’t make sense to apply the Act.