Right to Education Act (RTE) -Importance & Responsibilities

04/02/25

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Learning and education are the foundational pillars of any flourishing society. A nation that keeps the education of its youngest a priority, always reaps great rewards, be it economic, cultural, or social growth. Such nations give birth to great leaders and changemakers who go on to do great things in life and make a difference in the world.

India, as a developing nation, understands the importance of primary education and ensures that children get the best opportunities to learn and grow. To ensure that India’s Education for All mission is achieved, the Government of India launched the Right to Education (RTE) Act. In this blog, we will cover everything there is to know about the Right to Education in India, and the responsibilities of different stakeholders when it comes to children’s education. We will also discuss the work done at Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children India) since 2004 to contribute to child education.

Everything There is to Know About the RTE Act

The Right to Education or RTE, was introduced in India in August 2009 and became effective in April 2010. The main objective of RTE was to make primary education a fundamental right for every child across all states, strata of society, and communities. Under this act, it is mandated that every child must have access to free and compulsory education from the ages of six to 14 at government schools.

Here are some important elements of this act one should know:

• The “free” part of this act emphasises that no child should have to pay school fees in government schools to get primary education (till grade 8).

• The “compulsory” part of the act places the responsibility upon government authorities to ensure the admission and completion of primary education for all children (between the ages of six and 14).

• The state and local governments are also required to establish a school within 1 km of children’s residences where no schools previously existed.

• The pupil-to-teacher ratio in every school should be maintained at 30:1.

• The RTE also prescribes duties for schools to maintain infrastructure, teacher training, school working days, and teaching equipment standards.

Importance of the Right to Education in India

Since the implementation of the RTE Act in India, the change has been immense, and it has made a real difference to the child enrollment ratio. Now, with free education available to children, parents who cannot afford to send their children to schools have some relief and an avenue to give educational opportunities to their children. This act has made a change by:

• Promoting Holistic Development: This act has made holistic and complete education an essential part of children’s lives. It helps them develop skills, values, and knowledge that are necessary to live a fulfilling life.

• Democratising Education: The RTE Act has helped ensure that every child has access to education and schools in their neighbourhood. It has also endeavoured to remove the socioeconomic barriers to education.

• Empowering Marginalised Groups: RTE can help bring social justice and equality, empowering marginalised groups and providing them with an equal opportunity to succeed.

• Increasing Financial Security: When one has access to opportunities to learn, it gives them the ability to earn a living, provide for their families, and lead a better life.

Also Read: Understanding the Importance of Child Rights in India

Responsibilities of the RTE Act in India

When it comes to promoting equal access to education in India, there are certain responsibilities that different sections of society have to fulfil. These responsibilities are outlined in our constitution, and every stakeholder is expected to strictly adhere to their responsibilities to ensure that our society thrives:

Appropriate Government and Local Authorities

One of the main responsibilities of the appropriate government is to ensure children have access to free and compulsory education. This covers the following:

• Provide free elementary education to children between the ages of six and 14

• Ensure compulsory school admission and attendance of children, and completion of education from the age of six to 14

• Ensure there is a school in the neighbourhood within 1 km distance for primary level and within 3 km for upper-primary level

• Ensure children belonging to marginalised or disadvantaged are not discriminated against

• Provide infrastructure, including school buildings, learning equipment, and teaching staff

Parents and Guardians

It is the responsibility of every parent or guardian to admit their children or ward to an elementary school in the neighbourhood.

 Schools and Teachers

The responsibility of schools and teachers focuses on ensuring there is a positive and inclusive learning environment for children. The school:

• Should not put any capital fee or screening process to enrol children.

• Should check every child has proof of age at the time of registration.

• Should not deny admission to any child.

• Is prohibited from handing out any physical punishments or mentally harassing any child.

• Should follow the correct procedure and guidelines for teacher appointments.

• Should ensure that a teacher maintains punctuality, attendance, and completion of courses in school.

• Should hold regular meetings with the parents and guardians and apprise them of the regularity in attendance, performance of the children, or any other relevant information.

Where We Make a Difference?

We at Bal Raksha Bharat have been working for decades to ensure the RTE Act in India is implemented and followed by every responsible party. By facilitating donation for education, we address children’s learning needs by creating an inclusive, equitable, and safe learning environment for children between the ages of three to 18. Through these efforts, we have helped lakhs of children since our establishment in 2008.

We echo the vision of the Government of India and aim to create an environment where children’s education, health, and well-being are our utmost priority. You can also contribute to this cause by making donation for NGO and doing your bit for child education in India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the role of the RTE Act?

The RTE Act in India mandates that children between the ages of 6 and 14 have access to free and compulsory education. The role of this act focuses on making India a knowledge superpower where every child, no matter who they are or where they come from, has access to equal and inclusive learning opportunities.

2. What is the age limit of the RTE Act 2009?

The RTE Act 2009 applies to children between the ages of 6 to 14.

3. Is the act targeted only for weaker sections?

No, the RTE Act is a universal act that applies to wealthy as well as less privileged children from all communities, backgrounds and classes.

BRB Admin