The Right to Education (RTE) Act, officially called the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, is a landmark legislation in India that mandates free and compulsory education for all children aged 6 to 14 years. Enacted in 2009 and effective from April 1, 2010, the Act makes education a fundamental right under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution. It requires the government to ensure free admission, attendance, and completion of elementary education for every child within this age group at a neighborhood school without charging any fees. The Act also mandates specific norms for schools, including pupil-teacher ratios and teacher qualifications, and prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment. Additionally, the Act mandates reservation of 25% seats in private schools for disadvantaged children and emphasizes community participation through School Management Committees. It places the legal obligation on both the central and state governments to implement and enforce these provisions to ensure equitable quality education for all children.
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