Understanding the 86^th Amendment and Parental Duty

The question asks about a specific Article introduced by the $86^{th}$ Amendment Act of 2002, which aimed to impose a duty on parents to ensure their children receive education.

Analyzing the Relevant Constitutional Articles

Let's examine the key Articles mentioned in the options in the context of the $86^{th}$ Amendment:

• Article 51A(k): This clause was specifically added by the $86^{th}$ Amendment. It states that it shall be the duty of every citizen who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years. This directly addresses the question's requirement of a parental duty.
• Article 45: Before the $86^{th}$ Amendment, this Article directed the State to endeavor to provide early childhood care and education until a child completes the age of six years. The amendment significantly changed this Article, relating it more towards the directive principles concerning education for younger children, while Article 21A took over the mandate for compulsory education for 6-14 years. While related to education, it primarily outlines the State's role, not the parent's duty.
• Article 21A: This Article was also introduced by the $86^{th}$ Amendment. It declares 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 establishes the right to education for the child and imposes a corresponding obligation on the State, not directly a duty on the parents.
• Article 39A: This Article deals with promoting "equal justice and to provide free legal aid to the poor or any person who is under disability from any cause is, unable to attend to any cause by reason of disability." It is unrelated to the duty of parents regarding education.

Conclusion on Parental Duty Article

The $86^{th}$ Amendment brought significant changes to the Indian Constitution concerning education. While it introduced Article 21A establishing the right to education and modified Article 45, the specific provision imposing a duty on parents or guardians to provide educational opportunities is found in Article 51A(k), which deals with Fundamental Duties.