Which of the following Articles ensures to provide free and compulsory education to all children in the age group of six to fourteen years as a Fundamental Right to Education?
21A
Understanding the Right to Education in India
The question asks to identify the specific Article in the Indian Constitution that establishes free and compulsory education for children aged six to fourteen years as a Fundamental Right.
The Constitution of India guarantees various rights to its citizens, which are enshrined as Fundamental Rights in Part III. These rights are essential for the overall development and well-being of individuals. Education is considered a cornerstone for personal and societal progress.
Article 21A: The Fundamental Right to Education
The Constitution of India was amended to include a specific provision making education a Fundamental Right. This was a significant step towards ensuring that every child in the specified age group has access to schooling. The relevant Article is indeed Article 21A.
Article 21A states 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 means:
- Free Education: No child aged 6 to 14 is required to pay any fee or expenses to complete elementary education.
- Compulsory Education: The government is obligated to ensure admission, attendance, and completion of elementary education by every child in this age group.
- Age Group: The right specifically covers children between 6 and 14 years old.
- Fundamental Right: It is enforceable by law, similar to other fundamental rights like the right to life and personal liberty (Article 21).
This Article was inserted into the Constitution by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002. Following this amendment, the Parliament enacted the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (often known as the RTE Act) to provide the necessary legal framework for implementing Article 21A.
Analyzing the Other Options
Let's look at why the other options are not correct:
- Article 18A: There is no Article 18A in the Indian Constitution related to education or any other matter. Article 18 deals with the Abolition of Titles.
- Article 20A: There is no Article 20A in the Indian Constitution. Article 20 deals with Protection in respect of conviction for offences.
- Article 14: Article 14 is a fundamental right that guarantees Equality before the law and Equal protection of the laws. While important, it does not specifically deal with the right to free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14.
Comparison of Articles
| Article | Subject Matter | Relevance to Free & Compulsory Education (6-14 years) |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | Equality before law | Guarantees general equality, but not specifically the right to free and compulsory education. |
| 18 | Abolition of Titles | Not related to education. |
| 20 | Protection in respect of conviction for offences | Not related to education. |
| 21 | Protection of life and personal liberty | Article 21A was added as a specific dimension derived from the broader right to life and liberty. |
| 21A | Right to Education | Specifically guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14 years. This is the correct Article. |
Therefore, based on the constitutional provisions, Article 21A is the one that ensures the provision of free and compulsory education to all children in the age group of six to fourteen years as a Fundamental Right to Education.
Revision Table: Key Articles & Rights
| Article | Right/Provision |
|---|---|
| Article 14 | Equality before law and equal protection of laws |
| Article 19 | Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc. |
| Article 20 | Protection in respect of conviction for offences |
| Article 21 | Protection of life and personal liberty |
| Article 21A | Right to Education (Free and compulsory education for 6-14 years) |
| Article 32 | Remedies for enforcement of Fundamental Rights |
Additional Information: The Right to Education Act, 2009
The enactment of Article 21A led to the passing of The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act). This Act provides the detailed provisions and mechanisms for implementing the fundamental right to education. Some key features of the RTE Act include:
- Norms and standards for schools, including pupil-teacher ratio, classrooms, toilets, drinking water, etc.
- Prohibition of physical punishment and mental harassment.
- Screening procedures for admission.
- Provision for special training for age-appropriate admission of children.
- Development of curriculum consistent with the constitutional values.
The RTE Act reinforces the commitment of the Indian state to provide accessible and quality elementary education to all children in the defined age bracket, fulfilling the mandate of Article 21A.
Important Questions from Basics of Constitution
Which of the following statements with respect to Article 22 of the Constitution and Criminal Law on fundamental rights of an arrested person is NOT correct?
India recognizes the Right to _______ as being part of Right to Life (Article 21).
What was the amendment done to the Indian Constitution by 52 nd amendment done in 1985?
Which of the following languages is NOT a part of the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution?
Which of the following constitutional amendments provided for the Right to Education?
